Since so many people tend to associate orthodontics with teenagers in braces, not everyone realizes that braces and Invisalign can actually benefit patients of all ages, including adults. This leads many patients to wonder, “am I too old for orthodontic treatment?” The great news is it’s never too late to straighten your smile and improve your oral health! In fact, we’ve seen more and more adults in recent years who are looking to transform their smile and correct issues they’ve been struggling with for years. If you’ve been unhappy or self-conscious about how your teeth look or function, this is the perfect time to explore how Texas Family Orthodontics can help!
Dr. Katie Vo and the rest of our talented team are proud to offer our patients a variety of treatment options to correct problems like crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more. Let’s take a closer look at what orthodontics actually is, what treatment options are available for adult patients, and how Texas Family Orthodontics can help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Keep reading below to learn more!
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty in the dental field. This means an orthodontist is a dentist who has also received years of additional education and training to better:
- identify and correct bite abnormalities
- successfully straighten teeth
- correct misaligned jaws
- improve the overall function of the mouth
- and more
An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Vo will work with their patients to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial abnormalities. If issues such as these are left untreated over time, they may eventually lead to premature wear and tear on the teeth, gum tissue, and bone. This can lead to pain in the face and neck area, headaches, and even difficulties with chewing or speaking. A skilled orthodontist will be able to diagnose and treat these types of issues, which will improve both the function and appearance of your smile.
Why are more adults looking into orthodontic treatment?
Everyone has their own unique reasons for exploring orthodontic treatment as an option for improving oral health. One major factor is that we often gain a better understanding of how our oral health is linked to our total body health as we get older. This knowledge leads many people to seek out dental or orthodontic treatment that will allow them to take better care of their teeth and gums.
We also see many adult patients who have received orthodontic treatment earlier in life that was never completed, and now wish to finish the process. Touch-up treatment is extremely common, as well. Teeth that were straightened in a patient’s younger years may shift over time due to age, genetics, or improper retainer use. In these cases, there are multiple treatment options available, including monitoring the teeth, providing new retainers, or re-treating with braces or aligners.
There are also adults who have never had treatment before and are simply looking to improve the cosmetic appearance of their smile. This can lead to increased confidence and self-esteem, and may even have a positive impact on their personal and professional lives. We fully support any reason you may have for looking into orthodontic treatment for yourself!
What treatment options are available for adult patients?
Whatever your reasons for reaching out to an orthodontist, there are more treatment options available to you than ever before! Texas Family Orthodontics offers the following treatments for a total smile transformation.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple and with good reason! This is one of our most efficient treatment options, especially for more severe or complicated cases. Today’s braces are made from high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design mean they’re much more comfortable than ever before. The total treatment time also tends to be shorter than it used to be.
Clear braces
These function in much the same way traditional braces do but use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. The brackets can be clear, white, or tooth-colored, and for a nearly invisible treatment option, can be used with elastics or ties that are the same color. Clear braces can be an excellent choice for image-conscious patients, but because they are more delicate than metal braces, we generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.
Lingual Braces
Inbrace lingual braces are another great option if you don’t want anyone to know you’re wearing braces. Lingual brackets are attached to the back of your teeth, so they’re not visible from the front of your smile. They essentially work “behind the scenes” to straighten your smile!
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system uses a series of clear, customized, removable aligners, so there’s no brackets or bands involved! The aligners are custom-designed to fit snugly over the teeth and gently move them into the desired positions over time. Aligners are made of a flexible but strong thermoplastic resin and are changed every 1-2 weeks to continue shifting teeth.
All of these options can be a fantastic fit for busy adults! Dr. Vo will always take your unique needs and lifestyle into account before recommending the treatment method she feels would be the best fit for your smile.
Get the smile you deserve with Texas Family Orthodontics
We don’t do cookie-cutter treatment here at Texas Family Orthodontics! Every smile is unique and we know that what works for one patient may not work for another. This is one reason it’s so important to choose an experienced orthodontist you can trust. Our expert team will create a customized treatment plan just for you based on your specific needs. You can count on us for a positive, stress-free orthodontic experience from your initial consultation to your final appointment!
Our San Antonio and Windcrest offices are committed to providing patients of all ages with the latest in orthodontic techniques and technology. We’ve been crafting beautiful smiles in our community for years and would be honored to do the same for you! If you’re ready to learn more about achieving the smile of your dreams, contact our office today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Vo!