Orthodontic issues, unfortunately, don’t discriminate. Kids, teenagers, adults, and senior patients can all be prone to problems, but Glass Orthodontics wants to talk a bit more about our adult patients. We’ll go over the best treatment options and how they can change lives!
Why Choose Adult Orthodontics?
There’s a pretty popular misconception that orthodontics is primarily for kids and teens, but adults benefit from it every bit as much as they do. Whether your goal is improved appearance, correcting bite issues, or addressing concerns like sleep apnea, Glass Orthodontics offers specialized treatments tailored specifically for adults.
Myths About Adult Orthodontics
Myth 1: “Treatment Takes Too Long as an Adult.”
Reality: Orthodontic technology has advanced a lot in recent decades, and treatments reflect that in terms of duration. Treatment can be completed more efficiently now than ever before. Every case is different and takes a different amount of time, but treatment times for adults can be comparable to teens in many instances.
Myth 2: “Braces Will Be Very Uncomfortable.”
Reality: While orthodontic adjustments like braces being tightened might cause mild discomfort initially, this should subside quickly. This is not an everyday experience, not even close. Modern orthodontic techniques and materials have greatly reduced overall discomfort compared to those of the past.
Myth 3: “Braces Are Only for Cosmetic Improvements.”
Reality: Orthodontics usually treats much more than your smile’s appearance—it affects oral health, corrects bite issues, and can even relieve issues like headaches or sleep apnea. Dr. Glass can also discuss the potential need for jaw surgery, though most patients won’t need this. However, for those with severe jaw misalignment, it can be a hugely transformative step to take.
Myth 4: “Orthodontics Can Damage Adult Teeth or Gums.”
Reality: Orthodontic treatments performed by trained specialists like our team actually improve oral health. Proper alignment strengthens gum health, tooth function, and long-term oral hygiene, reducing risks of decay or periodontal disease.
A Fully Customized Process
Before we go over the various appliances offered by Glass Orthodontics, we want to remind you that your experience will always be one-of-a-kind.
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Dr. Glass’s care is tailored for each patient, where he carefully considers specific dental alignment, jaw structure, and overall oral health.
- Custom Appliances: Braces, Invisalign aligners, retainers, and other orthodontic devices are custom-designed and precisely fitted to your smile for maximum performance. In some cases, this means adding on additional components to resolve other issues with the bite or jaw.
- Personalized Monitoring: Regular orthodontic visits and digital tracking tools allow us to continuously adjust treatments based on your individual progress and needs.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign is the ideal solution for those who put discretion at the top of their list of priorities. Invisalign uses clear aligners to gently straighten teeth without the visibility of wires and brackets.
Benefits:
- Nearly invisible appearance, maintaining a natural look to your teeth the whole time
- Removable, making cleaning and eating simpler when you’re busy
- Comfortable, with smooth aligners reducing friction and irritation
Ideal candidates:
- Adults wanting invisible and comfortable orthodontic treatment
- Those with mild to moderate orthodontic issues
- Individuals needing daily convenience and flexibility
Clear Braces
Clear braces are another subtle alignment option that help highlight your natural teeth. With brackets made of ceramic material, these braces provide effective correction with reduced visibility.
Benefits:
- Less visible compared to metal braces
- Appropriate for correcting more complex alignment and bite issues
- Strong and long-lasting
Ideal candidates:
- Adults who prefer a discreet, but fixed appliance
- Those who want the reliability of traditional braces without the metal brackets
Champagne/Gold Braces
Looking for a stylish alternative to traditionally colored brackets? Champagne (gold) braces blend functionality and aesthetics, offering a refined spin on traditional braces.
Benefits:
- Elegant gold shade for an unconventional look
- Effective correction similar to traditional metal braces
- Durable and resistant to staining
Ideal candidates:
- Adults seeking a different yet effective orthodontic treatment
Modern Metal Braces
Metal braces have stood the test of time for good reason—they’re highly effective at resolving even the most challenging, longstanding dental issues.
Benefits:
- Dependable correction of major misalignments and bite concerns
- Highly durable
- Almost always covered by insurance plans
Ideal candidates:
- Adults requiring extensive correction
- Individuals are comfortable with visible braces
Never Too Late
It can be a tough choice to finally set up a first appointment with an orthodontist, but remember that all treatment begins with a free, no-pressure consultation, which is primarily used to perform diagnostics and answer your questions. We hope to see you soon in our Bay Minette, Daphne, Atmore, or Brewton offices.