Whether due to changing social norms or an increased awareness of the importance of oral health, the team at Clauss Orthodontics has seen an increase in the number of adult patients looking to improve their oral health with orthodontics. Some of them have spent a lifetime feeling uncomfortable with the way their teeth look and feel, and many worry that it’s too late to achieve a healthier smile. The good news is, you’re never too old to benefit from braces or clear aligners. Patients from ages 7 to 700 can enjoy straighter teeth and a healthier mouth with expert treatment from an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Clauss. Keep reading below for your guide to the personalized orthodontic treatment available to you as an adult.
Why More Adults Are Choosing Orthodontic Treatment
Most of our younger patients are in treatment with Dr. Clauss because their parents have chosen treatment for them after consulting with us. While these children and teens are generally able to understand why this treatment is important for their smiles, we find that adults tend to have a much better understanding of just how beneficial a healthy mouth can be.
This is largely due to adults being more aware of the many ways oral health is linked to your total body health. They know that regular dental care and orthodontic treatment can help keep the teeth, gums, and whole body healthy. Most adult patients are able to see orthodontic treatment for what it truly is, a commitment of time that pays off in the form of a healthier, happier, and more confident smile.
The Health Benefits of Adult Orthodontics
The most immediate and obvious benefit of orthodontic treatment is probably that it improves the appearance of a patient’s smile, but there are benefits beneath the surface, too.
When teeth are crooked or crowded, they can be difficult to clean properly. This increases the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Severe crowding sometimes benefits from creating additional arch space first, which is where a palate expander can come in.
If the teeth and jaws are misaligned, it can also cause excess wear on the enamel. Over time, this may lead to chronic headaches or pain in the face, neck, or jaw. Orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners from Clauss Orthodontics will help to reduce or eliminate these symptoms.
Treatment can also protect adult patients from more serious oral issues down the road, which means a healthier smile for years to come.
Adult Braces and Clear Aligner Options
There’s never been a better time to be an adult orthodontic patient. Not so long ago, there weren’t that many options for anyone looking to improve the look and feel of their teeth. Today, we have multiple ways to give patients a smile that’s beautiful and functional. Clauss Orthodontics is proud to offer the following treatment options for a smile makeover.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance in Watertown and the surrounding area, 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 and effective than previous designs were.
Clear Braces
Clear braces function the same way as metal braces, 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. If a subtle look is your priority, it’s worth reading through the most discreet orthodontic options for adults.
Clear Aligners
Instead of brackets, wires, and bands, clear aligners use a series of customized trays 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 adult patients love.
Patient compliance is an essential part of treatment with clear aligners. The aligners must be worn for 20 to 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 to 2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements their teeth are making.
When worn as directed by Dr. Clauss, clear aligners can be just as efficient as braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.
Start Adult Orthodontic Treatment at Clauss Orthodontics
Most things in life come with their own pros and cons, and orthodontic treatment is no different. That means that not every treatment we offer at Clauss Orthodontics will be suitable for all patients, which is why we encourage adults to work with an orthodontist who is highly trained, skilled and experienced. That’s where Dr. Clauss comes in.
We don’t do cookie-cutter treatment at our office. Instead, Dr. Clauss will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your unique smile. This personalized treatment plan is built around your needs and lifestyle, and it guarantees a rewarding orthodontic journey with beautiful results you’ll love.
Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Clauss and the rest of our talented team is a real step toward a better smile, one that will enhance your physical, emotional, and oral health. Are you ready to take the first step towards the confident smile you deserve? Schedule your free consultation to transform your smile.