Your Guide To Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Likely due to changing social standards and an ever-increasing range of affordable treatment options, more adults than ever have been improving their oral health with orthodontics. Although teens still make up the largest percentage of orthodontic patients, we’re seeing more and more adults every day! Here at Johnson Orthodontics, we’re proud to create beautiful smiles for patients of all ages in Rehoboth Beach and the surrounding communities. So, if you’ve spent years of your life feeling unhappy with how your teeth look, feel, or function, we’ve got good news—you’re never too old to achieve a healthier, more confident smile! To learn more about the customized orthodontic care available to adult patients, keep reading below.

Why are more adults seeking orthodontic treatment? 

Most of our adolescent patients undergo orthodontic treatment because their parents have chosen it for them after consulting with Dr. Johnson. While younger patients are certainly able to understand the importance of treatment and are thrilled with their final results, the truth is that adults will often have a better understanding of how a healthier smile will positively impact their lives. 

Adults also tend to be more aware of the ways that oral health can impact our total body health. This leads many of them to seek out dental or orthodontic treatment to keep their teeth and gums in the best possible shape. As an adult patient, you’ll be able to truly grasp what orthodontic treatment is: an investment of your time and finances that will pay off in a big way with a beautiful smile, improved health, and increased self-confidence.

Your Guide To Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Improve your oral health with orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is incredibly effective at straightening teeth, but the benefits don’t stop there. Crooked or crowded teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Misalignment can also cause excess wear on the teeth and enamel, which may lead to chronic headaches, jaw aches, and pain in the face and neck. 

Orthodontic treatment will help reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Not only that, but braces and aligners can protect you from serious oral health problems in the future. This can mean serious financial savings, which is something that tends to be appreciated by adult patients who are on a budget.

Treatment that fits your budget

There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient. Achieving a confident smile is more affordable than ever, thanks to a variety of innovative treatment options. Johnson Orthodontics offers flexible payment options to suit every budget, including interest-free installment plans. Multiple family discounts may also apply. 

For your convenience, we accept most credit and debit cards. We can even set up monthly auto payments with your bank. If you have insurance coverage or a Flexible or Health Savings Account, we’ll be sure to take this into account, as well. We will even help you file any claims if you intend on using insurance to cover your treatment. And don’t worry— we will ensure you understand every fee included in your treatment plan before we move forward with fitting you for braces or aligners. 

Treatment options for every lifestyle

Not so long ago, there weren’t many choices for anyone looking to improve their smile. Today we have multiple ways to align the teeth and jaws. Our practice is proud to offer the following treatment options for a complete smile transformation.

Invisalign

No brackets and wires are required to move the teeth with this innovative system. Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to help patients achieve a healthier smile. These customized aligners are completely removable, offering patients an extra measure of freedom and flexibility they love. 

Invisalign aligners are designed to be switched out with the next aligner in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movement of the teeth. This means that 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. When worn as directed, Invisalign can be just as efficient as braces at treating many common orthodontic issues. 

Metal braces

Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance for a reason—they have a proven track record of successfully correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. 

Though they’ve been around for a long time now, braces have seen some serious upgrades in recent years. They’re far more comfortable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing than previous designs were! Metal braces are one of our most cost-efficient options and can be particularly useful in cases that are complex or severe. 

Clear braces

Sometimes called ceramic braces, these function in the same way metal braces do but come with the added benefit of clear brackets. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored bands, they’re an incredibly subtle way to straighten the teeth! 

Because they are far less visible than their metal counterparts, clear braces are popular with image-conscious teens and adults. The ceramic brackets are slightly larger and a bit more brittle than the metal ones, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth. 

Your Guide To Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Get a smile you’re proud to show off with Johnson Orthodontics

Every treatment option will have its own list of pros and cons, and not every treatment will be suitable for every patient. Working with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Johnson guarantees you’ll receive only the best treatment for your unique smile!  

If you’ve been waiting a lifetime to take the first step towards a healthier smile, the last thing you want is cookie-cutter treatment. Our team creates individualized treatment plans for each patient, building a plan that’s based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. 

Our goal is to give you a rewarding and stress-free experience, from your first visit to your last. We want you to feel right at home from the first time you walk through our door and we work hard to provide patients with a warm and welcoming environment. 

Are you ready to get started on the confident smile you deserve? Get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation at our Rehoboth Beach office!