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When you hear “orthodontics,” does your mind automatically conjure up an image of a teenager in braces? If so, you’re not alone—this is one stereotype that’s had some serious staying power! While it’s true that teens make up a significant percentage of orthodontic patients, treatment can be beneficial for children and adults, too. In fact, we’ve seen more adult patients than ever in our Huntington and Woodbury offices over the last few years. If you’ve spent a lifetime feeling unhappy with the way your teeth look or function, this guide to orthodontic treatment as an adult can help you, too!
Here at Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves a healthy and confident smile, no matter their age. With expert treatment from an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Sheinis, you can enjoy straighter teeth and improved oral health, whether you’re 7 or 75! To learn more about how adult treatment can transform your smile, keep reading below.
More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment
Most younger patients are in treatment because their parents have chosen it for them after an evaluation with a trusted orthodontist. Although adolescents are capable of understanding why braces or aligners are necessary, we’ve found that adults tend to be much more aware of how important a healthy mouth truly is.
Much of this is due to us gaining a clearer understanding of how our oral health can affect our total body health as we get older. This helps adult patients appreciate that while orthodontic treatment is an investment of your time and finances, it comes with a major pay-off in the form of a smile that looks great, feels good, and functions exactly as it should!
We also have more treatment options than ever to offer adult patients, including clear braces and clear aligners. These appliances make it easy to fit treatment into an adult’s active lifestyle and can work just as successfully as metal braces for almost everyone.
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment for adults?
Orthodontic treatment is most commonly known for creating beautiful smiles, but the benefits go far beyond a patient’s cosmetic appearance! Teeth that are crooked or crowded can be difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. Misalignments can also cause excess wear on the enamel and may lead to chronic headaches or pain in the face, neck, and jaw.
Treatment with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Sheinis can help reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Correcting bad bites can also protect adult patients from experiencing more serious oral issues in the future. This often means a healthier smile and financial savings in the long-term, something our budget-conscious adult patients can really appreciate!
What treatment options are available to adult orthodontic patients?
It’s a great time to be an orthodontic patient of any age these days! Not so long ago, there were only a couple of options for anyone looking to improve the look and feel of their teeth. As we mentioned above, there are now multiple ways for orthodontists to create beautiful and functional smiles! We’re proud to offer a variety of affordable treatment options for our adult patients to choose from.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance and come with a proven track record of success. While braces have been around for a long time, they’ve undergone some impressive changes in recent years. Today’s metal braces are far more comfortable, efficient, and affordable than previous designs were! They’re able to effectively treat a variety of orthodontic issues and are particularly useful in cases that are more severe or complex.
InBrace hidden braces
The InBrace system is placed on the backs of your teeth, making it completely unnoticeable to anyone you meet. Dr. Sheinis uses a personalized Smartwire to move your teeth into new, straighter positions over time just like traditional braces. However, since InBrace is completely hidden, you can go about your daily life without worrying about braces making your smile stand out. The Smartwire also self-adjustments, which means fewer appointments and no uncomfortable adjustments!
Clear braces
Clear braces function the same way metal braces do but come with the additional benefit of clear brackets. This offers a more subtle way to straighten teeth, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics. The ceramic brackets we use with clear braces are slightly larger and a bit more brittle than metal brackets, so we are more likely to use them on the upper front teeth than the lower teeth. Because they are much less visible than metal brackets, clear braces tend to be a popular choice with our teen and adult patients!
Invisalign/3M Clarity clear aligners
Instead of brackets and wires, the innovative Invisalign/3m Clarity aligner systems use a series of customized clear aligners to shift the teeth over time. The aligners are designed to be removed when a patient is eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing their teeth. This gives them an extra measure of freedom and flexibility that patients love!
Compliance is an essential part of treatment with Invisalign/3m Clarity aligners from Shiney Smiles Orthodontics. The aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the orthodontic process to achieve the desired results. Patients are also responsible for switching each aligner out with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements their teeth are making and keeps the treatment plan progressing as it should be.
Find your best smile with adult treatment from Shiney Smiles Orthodontics
Like most things in life, different orthodontic treatments come with their own list of pros and cons. Every treatment we offer won’t be suitable for everyone, which is why we encourage all of our adult patients to work with a trained and skilled orthodontist like Dr. Sheinis!
Your smile is as unique as you are, and you’ll never be subjected to cookie-cutter service at Shiney Smiles Orthodontics. Your customized treatment plan will be built around your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. This ensures a stress-free experience with long-lasting results you’ll love!
When you choose orthodontic treatment with Dr. Sheinis and the rest of our expert team, you’ll be making a smart investment in a smile that will boost your physical, emotional, and oral health. Are you ready to take the first step towards the confident smile you’ve always wanted? Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Shiney Smiles Orthodontics!