Your Guide To Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Here at Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics, we’re proud to create beautiful smiles that last a lifetime for patients of all ages. Although teens are often associated with orthodontic treatment, children and adults can also benefit from braces and clear aligners. In fact, adults are one of our fastest-growing patient groups in the world of orthodontics! Yet we still hear from people every day who worry that the chance for a smile transformation has passed them by. If this sounds like you, then we’ve got good news—it’s never too late to achieve a confident smile! 

More adults than ever are realizing that they aren’t stuck with their current smile. If you’ve spent a lifetime feeling unhappy with the way your teeth look or function, our expert team can help! Aligning your bite and straightening your teeth will improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile and reduce or eliminate any uncomfortable symptoms you may be experiencing. Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier mouth? Keep reading below to learn more about our adult treatment options! 

Reasons for exploring adult orthodontic treatment

There are many reasons that an adult may be interested in orthodontic treatment.  When we’re younger, it’s easy to overlook the importance of caring for our teeth and gums but this can actually affect the whole body. As we get older, we tend to become more aware of the ways our oral health and overall health are connected. This can lead some adults to begin seeking dental or orthodontic care to help them maintain good oral health throughout their lives.

We also see some adults who began the orthodontic process in their teens but never completed treatment. Similarly, some patients finished their treatment but didn’t wear their retainer as directed afterward. In both of these scenarios, the teeth have begun to drift back towards their original positions, undoing any progress made previously. These patients may wish to complete their interrupted orthodontic journey, while others may need to repeat treatment from start to finish.

Some adults are simply looking to achieve a more attractive smile, something we fully support! When you feel confident in your smile, it can have a positive effect on your social and professional life. 

Your free consultation with us

We pack a lot into your first visit with us! During this appointment, we’ll get to know a bit about each other and discuss the concerns you have about your oral health. We’ll also:

  • review your dental and medical history forms
  • perform a thorough oral examination
  • go over the results of this exam with you 
  • create a customized treatment plan for you
  • discuss the investment required for your new smile
  • outline your insurance options and any payment plans available to you

Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with your doctor, we’ll walk you through everything included in the process. We’ll also discuss the investment needed for your new smile and outline your payment options. Our team will always make sure you understand exactly what the treatment plan includes before you begin. That means you never have to worry about any hidden fees sneaking up on you! 

Treatment options for adult patients

Our goal is to provide you with exceptional care that’s effective and affordable. We’re proud to offer our patients the following treatments for a rewarding orthodontic experience. 

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance and come with a proven track record of success. They treat a variety of orthodontic issues and can be particularly useful in cases that are more severe or complex. Although braces have been around for a long time, they’ve undergone some major changes in recent years! Modern metal braces are lighter, sleeker, and more comfortable than previous models. Patients can add a fun pop of personality with brightly colored elastics or choose clear or tooth-colored bands for a more subtle option.

Clear braces

Clear braces function the same way metal braces do, but they come with the added benefit of clear brackets. This gives patients an extremely discreet way to straighten their teeth, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics. The ceramic brackets we use with clear braces are slightly larger and a bit more brittle than metal brackets, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth. Clear braces are much less visible than metal brackets, making them a popular choice with our teen and adult patients!

Invisalign clear aligners

Instead of brackets, wires, and bands, the innovative Invisalign system uses a series of customized clear aligners to shift the teeth over time. The aligners are designed to be removed when a patient is eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing their teeth. This gives them an extra measure of freedom that can’t be beaten!

Patient compliance is an essential part of treatment with Invisalign. The aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the orthodontic process to successfully straighten smiles. Patients are also responsible for switching each aligner out with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements their teeth are making. When worn as directed, Invisalign can be just as efficient as braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.

Social 6

Social 6 is a limited orthodontic treatment option that’s perfect for adults who are looking to make small adjustments to their teeth. Our doctors use Invisalign clear aligners to improve the front six teeth, also known as your “social 6” since everyone can see them! If you’ve noticed minor changes in your teeth following previous orthodontic treatment, after losing a retainer, or through other circumstances, Social 6 could be an excellent solution for maintaining a straighter smile.

Your Guide To Adult Orthodontic Treatment

The smile you’ve always wanted is waiting for you at Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics

You’ll never find any cookie-cutter treatment at Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics. Our doctors are trained specialists who know that every smile is unique! What works for one patient may not be a good fit for another, but working with our expert team guarantees you’ll receive only the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs. Are you ready to transform your smile? Get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with us!