Here at Coppe + Sears, we are seeing more adults than ever choosing to improve their oral health with orthodontic treatment. For patients who have spent years feeling uncomfortable with the way their teeth look or feel, orthodontics can make an enormous difference in how their mouth functions. If you’re looking for a guide to adult orthodontic treatment, keep reading below to learn more about the customized orthodontic care Dr. Chad Sears offers!
What are the benefits of treatment in adulthood?
Most of our adolescent patients find themselves in braces or clear aligners because their parents have chosen these treatments for them. While children and teens are able to understand how important treatment is to their smile, adults will often have a much better understanding of how beneficial a healthy mouth can be.
Adult patients also tend to be more aware of how oral health can impact total body health, and know that dental or orthodontic treatment can keep their teeth and gums in tip-top shape! Most are able to truly grasp what orthodontic treatment is: an emotional and financial investment that will pay off in a major way with a more confident smile that looks great and feels good, too.
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment for adults?
Everyone knows that orthodontic treatment can achieve a straighter smile, but the benefits go beyond that. Teeth that are crooked or crowded can be difficult to clean properly, which increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. If the teeth and jaws are misaligned, it can cause excess wear on the enamel and may lead to headaches or pain in the face, neck, or jaw.
Orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners will help to reduce or eliminate these symptoms. They can also protect adult patients from more serious oral issues in the future, which often results in financial savings along with a healthier smile. This tends to be especially appreciated by adult patients who are on a budget!
What treatment options are available to adult patients?
Orthodontic treatment is more affordable than ever before, thanks to a wide range of affordable treatment options. Not so long ago, there were very few options for anyone looking to improve the look and feel of their smile. Now we have multiple ways to align the teeth and jaws! Coppe + Sears is proud to offer the following treatment options for a smile makeover.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance, and come with a proven track record of success. They efficiently treat a variety of orthodontic issues, and can be particularly useful in cases that are more severe or complex. While braces have been around for a long time, they have undergone some impressive changes in recent years. Today’s metal braces are far more comfortable, effective, and affordable than previous designs were.
Clear braces
Clear braces function the same way metal braces do, but they come with the added benefit of clear brackets. This offers an incredibly 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
Instead of brackets, wires, and bands, the innovative Invisalign system uses 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 our patients love!
Patient compliance is an essential part of treatment with Invisalign. The aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the orthodontic process to successfully straighten smiles. 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. When worn as directed, Invisalign can be just as efficient as braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.
Get a confident smile from Coppe + Sears
Every treatment option comes with its own list of pros and cons, and not every treatment we offer will be suitable for all patients. This is why we encourage adults interested in improving their smile to work with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Sears!
Patients will never receive cookie-cutter treatment here at Coppe + Sears. Instead, Dr. Sears will recommend the most appropriate treatment for each patient, taking into account their specific needs, concerns, and goals. His personalized treatment plans guarantee a rewarding orthodontic journey and superior results!
Our expert team works hard to provide patients of all ages with a stress-free experience, from their first visit to the last—and beyond. Orthodontic treatment with Coppe + Sears is not only a smart investment in a better smile, but can enhance a patient’s physical, emotional, and oral health as well. To take the first step towards a more confident smile, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Sears!