Orthodontic Treatment: It’s NEVER Too Late to Improve Your Smile!
Just hearing the word “braces” can take many of us back to junior high, when most of us had to wear braces or retainers. Despite the common assumption that braces are just for kids and tweens, more and more adults are choosing to pursue orthodontics to correct their smiles. Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg doesn’t just treat kids; our skilled orthodontist, Dr. Elena Black, can provide several orthodontic options for adults who are ready to have a beautiful, healthy smile. Adult orthodontics are in now more than ever!
Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
Perhaps you never had braces as a kid and you are embarrassed by your crooked teeth. Maybe you went through a round of braces a decade ago and stopped wearing your retainer, which allowed your teeth to shift. Whatever your personal history, adult orthodontic treatment is an excellent way to create the straight, beautiful smile you deserve.
What are my options?
With recent advances in orthodontics, there are many options for adults who need orthodontic treatment:
- Clear Aligners One popular option for adults who need braces is the clear aligner system, such as Invisalign. Clear aligners are different from traditional braces by applying a series of clear, retainer-like aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. The clear aligner process takes anywhere from three to 18 months to complete. One of the great advantages of Invisalign is that aligners can be removed so that you can eat and drink anything you want and brushing and flossing your teeth is as easy as ever, allowing you to adjust orthodontic treatment to your lifestyle and not the other way around.
- Traditional metal braces These are best in cases where the roots of the teeth need to travel a long distance to their correct position , in cases where surgery is involved because of jaw growth problems or when teeth are impacted and cannot come into the mouth on their own. The greatest drawback to wearing metal braces as an adult is aesthetics. Metal braces are more noticeable and not as discreet as other teeth straightening options. While wearing braces, certain hard, crunchy or sticky foods must be avoided and brushing and cleaning around all the fixed appliances in the mouth can take a little longer. Metal braces can be a great choice for complex cases, especially when jaw surgery is also part of a complex treatment plan to correct a lack of jaw growth while growing up.
Dr. Black at Appalachian Orthodontics is an expert treating adults with Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Black has gone through specialty training on using the Invisalign system and has taken many courses and fellowships to keep up with its latest improvements. This allows Dr. Black to use the Invisalign system in more complex cases. While Invisalign can be more expensive at many other practices, at Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg, that is not the case–orthodontic treatment investment is not different based on the appliance. Dr. Black wants to remove any obstacles in order to help you choose the right appliance for your smile and your lifestyle.
Orthodontic Treatment: Contact Us Today
Although you may be nervous about the prospect of getting orthodontic treatment as an adult, you should not let your fears stop you from talking with Dr. Elena Black at Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg. A complimentary consultation will address your concerns and provide information about the best course of treatment for you. Adult orthodontics can be a great way to boost your confidence and create the smile you’ve always dreamed of! Request your complimentary consultation today to determine if Invisalign or traditional braces are the right treatment for you!