It’s never too late to get the smile of your dreams. While it’s true that most of our patients are teens, the number of adults with braces continues to grow over time – in fact, 25% of all orthodontic patients are now adults! From straightening your smile for a special occasion to correcting relapse after teen treatment, there are many reasons to get adult braces. Is treatment right for you? Keep reading to find out!
Adult Braces Might Be Right for You If…
1: You feel self-conscious about your smile
Regardless of age, one of the most common reasons anyone gets braces or clear aligners is because they’re unhappy with the way their smile looks. If this is the case for you, you may hide your teeth when you laugh or keep your mouth closed when taking photos. You may even feel less confident in your ability to step out into the dating world or speak up during meetings.
Orthodontic treatment can straighten your teeth and give you back your self-esteem, helping you to overcome confidence issues and feel comfortable with your smile again.
2: Your teeth have shifted since your teenage years
Although we always warn our teenage patients that neglecting their retainers could mean their teeth shift back toward their original positions, it is not uncommon for them to forget this crucial step and come back for retreatment years later. This condition is known as orthodontic relapse, and it can reverse the look of your smile and leave you in need of an update.
Fortunately, our team is here to help. You can ask us about touch-up treatment or full retreatment options to reclaim your beautiful smile with adult braces or clear aligners.
3: You have an upcoming life event or milestone
As much as our childhoods are filled with milestone moments, our adult years are, too. Prepping for major life events like weddings or graduations means lots of photos – we know you want to look and feel your best for these important moments.
Discreet orthodontic treatment with adult braces or clear aligners helps brides, grooms, and graduates alike find the confidence they need for their big day.
4: You want to improve your oral health & hygiene
As you get older, you’re more prone to oral health conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, and general wear and tear from years of use. An uneven smile can hide bad bacteria or cause abnormal wear patterns on your teeth. These issues can wreak havoc on your health – and your pocketbook, as advanced dental care can become costly.
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your health, and adult braces or Invisalign can help. Straightening misalignments and correcting bite problems makes your teeth easier to keep clean and less susceptible to abnormal enamel erosion.
5: You are committed to sticking to your treatment plan
A major benefit of undergoing treatment as an adult compared to a teen is that you’re much more likely to understand the importance of sticking to your orthodontist’s instructions. The maturity and responsibility that come with age and the monetary investment you are making in your own treatment means you care about the success of your plan, and this can translate to faster, more efficient treatment and better results overall.
6: You experience jaw pain or headaches from TMJ
An uneven bite can put extra strain on your jaw joints, which can lead to pain and discomfort associated with TMJ Disorder. Patients with this condition often experience headaches, pain in the jaw, and even difficulty chewing. However, by realigning the jaw and correcting bite issues with adult braces or Invisalign, we can alleviate the stress on your jaw joints and reduce your discomfort overall.
Orthodontic Treatment As An Adult: What to Expect
Adult orthodontics works a little differently than it does for teens or kids getting the same treatment. Here are a few key points to note when considering getting adult braces or clear aligners.
1: Treatment may take slightly longer
As an adult, your bones have finished growing, which means that making structural changes like straightening your teeth takes a bit more work and time to complete than it would for a growing teen. Just how much extra time you’ll spend in adult braces or clear aligners depends on your unique orthodontic condition and commitment to your treatment plan.
2: You have more treatment options
Many adult patients are concerned about the look of braces – but don’t worry! You’ve got options. At Hemphill Orthodontics, we offer a range of treatment options, and some of them are very discreet.
Metal Braces
Modern metal braces use smaller brackets and wires for a less visible look than ever before.
Clear Braces
By replacing metal brackets with ceramic, tooth-colored brackets, clear braces make this traditional treatment option more discreet.
Invisalign
Using a set of nearly invisible clear aligner trays, we can straighten your smile without the brackets and wires, so your treatment is almost unnoticeable.
3: You may be more invested in your treatment plan
Whereas many teens and kids require their parents’ help to keep their treatment plan on track, your maturity and personal investment make you motivated to stay compliant with your orthodontist’s instructions. This can reduce your overall treatment time and improve your outcome overall.
4: Your insurance coverage may look different
Knowing what insurance covers braces for adults is tricky, as insurance coverage varies from policy to policy. But if you’re one of many adults with braces or are considering treatment, we recommend looking into your coverage options. Some insurance plans only offer benefits up to a certain age, while others offer a lifetime maximum allowance for treatment.
In any case, the Hemphill Orthodontics team can help you file your insurance claims – and with flexible payment plans, we make treatment affordable no matter your coverage.
Get the Smile of Your Dreams at Hemphill Orthodontics
Whether you’re seven or seventy-two, Dr. Hemphill and our team of experts are here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. From braces to Invisalign, we offer a wide range of treatment solutions for every need, and we can’t wait to help you get started. Call our office in Celina to schedule your free consultation today!
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Dr. Hemphill