For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the term “orthodontics” is a teenager wearing metal braces. This stereotype has had some serious staying power over the years leading many adults to wonder, “am I too old for orthodontic treatment?” The great news is that treatment with braces or Invisalign can have benefits for patients of all ages – including adults! In fact, there’s been a large increase in the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment in recent years. About 1 out of every 5 current orthodontic patients is over the age of 18!
If you’ve spent a lifetime unhappy or self-conscious about how your teeth look and feel, now is the perfect time to improve your oral health! Sohn Orthodontics is proud to offer a variety of treatment options to successfully correct crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more. To learn a bit more about what orthodontics actually is and how it can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, keep reading below!
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty within the field of dentistry. An orthodontist is a dentist who has received years of additional education and training in identifying and correcting bite abnormalities, as well as successfully straightening teeth, correcting misaligned jaws, and improving the overall function of the mouth.
An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Sohn is able to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial abnormalities. If issues such as these are left untreated, they can worsen over time, leading to premature wear and tear on the teeth, gum tissue, and bone. This may result in pain in the face and neck area, headaches, and even difficulties with chewing or speaking. Orthodontists are able to diagnose and treat these types of issues, which can improve both the function and appearance of your smile.
Why are more adults choosing orthodontic treatment?
There are a number of reasons we’ve seen more adults exploring the benefits of orthodontic treatment. One is that as we get older we often begin to understand more about how oral health is connected to our total body health. For some people, this knowledge leads them to take action by seeking out dental or orthodontic treatment that will allow them to better care for their teeth and gums.
We also see many adult patients who received orthodontic treatment earlier in life that was never finished, who now want to complete the process. Touch-up treatment is 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, we have multiple options, including monitoring the teeth, providing new retainers, or re-treating with braces or aligners.
Then there are the adults who have never had treatment before and are simply looking to improve the cosmetic appearance of their smile. This can boost their confidence and self-esteem and even have a positive impact on their personal and professional lives!
What orthodontic options are available for adult patients?
Whatever your reason for seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult, there are more options than ever before! Sohn Orthodontics offers the following treatments for a total smile makeover.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are a long-time orthodontic staple and with good reason! This is one of our most efficient treatments, particularly for more severe or complicated cases. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design mean they’re much more comfortable than previous versions. The total treatment time also tends to be shorter than it used to be.
Ceramic braces
Also known as clear braces, these function in much the same way traditional braces do but use ceramic brackets rather than metal ones. The brackets can be clear, white, or tooth-colored, and for an almost invisible treatment option, can be used with elastics or ties that are also clear, white, or tooth-colored. Ceramic 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.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of clear, removable aligners that are customized to fit comfortably over the teeth. Like braces, the aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. This is accomplished by wearing them 20-22 hours per day throughout the course of treatment, and replacing them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system.
Invisalign offers patients a bit of freedom and flexibility that traditional braces just can’t beat! There are no food restrictions since aligners are removed when eating or drinking. They also make it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets, and can simply brush and floss the way you normally would.
Both of these options can be a great fit for busy adults! You can trust Dr. Sohn to recommend only the treatment method she feels will work best with your smile, lifestyle, and goals.
Get the smile you’ve always dreamed of with Sohn Orthodontics
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter treatment here at Sohn Orthodontics. Every smile is unique, and some treatment methods will be more suitable than others for certain patients. That’s why it’s so important to choose an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Sohn! She will build a one-of-a-kind treatment plan for you based on your specific needs, giving you a positive orthodontic experience and superior results that last!
Our talented team is committed to providing the latest in orthodontic techniques and technology for patients of all ages in Bridgeville and the surrounding communities. It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. You can start your smile transformation today by calling us to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Sohn!