Patient Information > Adult Orthodontics
Adult Orthodontics:
A Healthy, Beautiful Smile At Any Age

It's Never Too Late To Be Your Best.

Orthodontic treatment is about a change for the better, no matter what your age. It can give you the confidence and pride that come with straight teeth and a great smile. But we have another equally important treatment goal -- to improve the health of your teeth and gums.

The fact is, when left untreated, many orthodontic problems may become worse. When you have a malocclusion (another way of saying "bad bite"), your teeth may be crowded, spaced, or may not fit together correctly. Crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. Given time, crowding may contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. Bad bites also can result in abnormal wearing of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and damage to supporting bone and gum tissue. Poor tooth alignment can contribute to pain in your jaw joints.

Will Braces Fit Your Lifestyle?

You'll be pleased to learn that braces will work with your current lifestyle. You can do almost anything with braces -- sing, play a musical instrument, dine out, kiss, and even have your picture taken.

Today's technology makes people wearing braces feel better about how they look. Metal brackets are much smaller than they used to be. Even less noticeable are braces made of ceramic or plastic. And lingual braces (ones that go behind your teeth) may be appropriate in some cases. We will tell you which of these options is best for you.

No matter what type of braces you wear, you'll have to make a few adjustments to treatment. But, if you're like the vast majority of adult patients, you'll adjust quickly. Chewing ice and certain treats, such as caramels and peanut brittle, will be off-limits. Also, your mouth and teeth may be a little tender after adjustments. And, of course, it will be especially important that you visit your family dentist for regular check-ups.

The good news is that the new techniques and materials that the orthodontist uses today have made wearing braces more comfortable for adults and teens.

Are You a Good Fit for Braces?

A consultation is the best way to determine if you can benefit from orthodontic treatment. The condition of your teeth, gums and supporting bone is the most important factor in determining the potential for improving your smile and dental health. Remember, the biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in both adults and children.

After an initial examination, we will be able to tell you what your treatment will involve and its approximate cost. If you decide to proceed, we will usually make diagnostic records of your mouth. These may include molds of your teeth and special x-rays and photographs.

Every person's malocclusion is different. After carefully analyzing the nature of your needed correction, we will recommend the best course of treatment for improving your smile.

Treatment is More Affordable Than Ever.

The cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on many factors, including the severity of the problem, its complexity and length of treatment. We will be glad to discuss the cost with you before treatment begins.

Patients are finding that braces are more affordable today than ever. We have a variety of convenient payment plans. Often there are combined plans available for parents and children who have treatment at the same time. In addition, many dental insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits.

Dollar for dollar, when you consider the lifetime benefits of braces, they are truly a great value.

© 2002 American Association of Orthodontists