Orthodontics isn’t just for children and teens. In fact, 1 in every 5 patients in orthodontic treatment is an adult. Dr. O’Neill has treated individuals in their 50’s, 60’s and even their 70’s–no one is too old for orthodontic treatment!
Adults seek orthodontic treatment for many of the same reasons as children. Some adults had orthodontic problems as children but were unable to correct them until now. Others may have had treatment as children, but may need further treatment as adults due to relapse or limitations in initial treatment.
- Align the teeth to create a more aesthetic and beautiful smile.
- Correct relapse after previous orthodontic treatment due to lack of long term retainer wear.
- Improve the ability to brush and floss, especially for crowded or overlapping lower front teeth.
- Create a better or more comfortable bite and ability to chew.
- Address missing teeth.
- Close spaces between the teeth.
- Reduce excessive wear on the teeth due to grinding or poor bite.
- Jaw surgery to correct the discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws.
Many adults are concerned with the appearance of braces. Often, invisible alternatives such as Invisalign or Inbrace can be used to treat adults.
Invisalign technology involves clear removable aligners, fabricated through advanced 3D imaging to align the teeth.
InBrace is truly invisible and accomplishes teeth straightening with personalized Smartwire™ technology hidden behind your teeth that gently perfects your smile.
For more severe problems, we have the option of customized 3D printed translucent brackets instead of metal.
Orthodontic treatment is no more uncomfortable for adults than children. Adults undergoing orthodontic treatment report the same level of soreness as children (although adults are more willing to tell us about the soreness). Typically, the teeth are most uncomfortable 12-24 hours after an orthodontic adjustment and subsides within 3 to 5 days.
Modern appliances are smaller and more comfortable to wear than what you may have worn as a child. Modern techniques, with the new titanium technology, put less pressure on the teeth to cause discomfort while moving the teeth more rapidly and efficiently. It also decreases the time required between adjustments to every 8 – 10 weeks. Treatment time, on average, is completed in 15-18 months.
The fee for adult orthodontic treatment is determined the same way as child or adolescent treatment. It’s based on the severity of the problem, the complexity of the correction, the appliances used and the length of time required to correct.
