For much of its history, orthodontic treatment was seen as a kind of rite of passage for teens. However, patients have been shifting away from this kind of thinking recently, and as a result, orthodontists are now treating more adults than ever before. In fact, about 1 in every 4 current orthodontic patients is over the age of 18 – a record number! With the number of adult patients on the rise, there’s never been a better time to explore how you can achieve a smile that’s aligned and fully functional. If you’ve spent years being unhappy with the way your smile looks or feels, but thought you were past the age where you could successfully fix it, we can help!
At Clauss Orthodontics, we believe patients of all ages deserve a beautiful, healthy smile. It’s never too late for you to take advantage of the innovative orthodontic treatment we offer to correct a variety of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more. To learn more about what orthodontics has to offer adult patients, contact us for a FREE consultation, and keep reading below for more information.
What is orthodontics?
If you think of dentistry as an umbrella, then orthodontics is a specialty beneath it. An orthodontist like Dr. Clauss is a dentist with several additional years of highly specialized training in identifying and correcting bite abnormalities. The extra training and experience orthodontists receive gives them the skills needed to straighten teeth, correct a misaligned jaw structure, and improve the overall function of a patient’s smile.
As a whole, orthodontics focus on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. If issues such as these are left untreated, they can worsen, causing abnormal wear and tear to the surface of your teeth and excess stress on the gum tissue and bone. This may result in headaches, pain in the face and neck, or even problems with chewing or speaking. Choosing an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Clauss to diagnose and treat these issues means putting your smile in the best of hands!
What to expect from your appointment at Clauss Orthodontics
Your first visit with us is one of the most important ones you’ll have. First impressions are lasting, and we want this to be a positive and stress-free experience for you, starting with a free consultation. Once we’ve taken photographs and x-rays of your teeth, Dr. Clauss will sit down with you and discuss any issues present, and what orthodontic treatment options are available to correct them. This is all part of creating a customized treatment plan for you.
Also during this initial visit, we’ll give you an estimate for the amount of time we believe treatment will take, and can either start your treatment that day or set up an appointment for you to get started. It’s important to us that every patient has access to the healthy smile they deserve, and that’s why we offer in-house, no-interest financing that works with your budget. We’re dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized, and affordable orthodontic care for every smile!
Why are so many adults now seeking orthodontic treatment?
As we get older, we often gain a better understanding of how our oral health is connected to our overall health. This can result in a renewed desire to take better care of our teeth and gums, up to and including orthodontic treatment. There are also many adults who received some orthodontic treatment earlier in life that was never completed, or if treatment was finished, they did not wear their retainers as directed afterwards. Teeth that were straightened can shift over the years, and as an adult, you may want to complete the process you started in your younger years or redo your orthodontic treatment completely.
Of course, you may simply want to improve your smile cosmetically, which is something we fully support! Patients who undergo orthodontic treatment to create a straighter, more attractive smile often find it increases their confidence and gives them a boost of self-esteem, something that can positively impact many areas of a person’s life.
Orthodontic options for adult patients
Whatever the reason for an adult seeking treatment, there are more choices available than ever before for a complete smile makeover. We are proud to offer the following treatment options:
Traditional metal braces
Metal braces are one of our most efficient treatments, and have been an orthodontic favorite for years for a reason! Generally made of high-quality stainless steel, modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, but they still deliver the same excellent results, particularly in more severe or complicated cases.
Clear ceramic braces
These braces function in much the same way traditional braces do, but use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. We make this option available for upper teeth only. The brackets are clear and can be used with elastics or ties that are also clear, white, or tooth-colored, for an almost invisible treatment option. This makes them 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, customized, removable plastic trays that fit over the teeth and gently move them into the desired positions over time. These aligners are replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the shifting teeth. Dr. Clauss has over ten years of experience in treating patients with Invisalign!
Every orthodontic option has its own list of pros and cons, and not every treatment is suitable for all patients. Working with an experienced orthodontist such as Dr. Clauss means you will only ever receive the right treatment for YOUR unique smile.
Count on Clauss Orthodontics for your treatment
At Clauss Orthodontics, you’ll never have to deal with cookie-cutter treatment. Our talented team will customize a treatment plan for you based on your specific smile, lifestyle, and goals. We’re committed to giving you a top-quality orthodontic experience, from your free consultation to the day your braces or aligners come off – and beyond! If you’re ready to take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted, get in touch today to schedule your free consultation.