If you’re like most people when the topic of orthodontics comes up, you probably imagine a teenager with a mouth full of metal braces. This stereotype has been quite persistent over the years, but it isn’t necessarily the whole picture! While teens do make up a large percentage of orthodontic patients, children and adults are closing that gap with every passing year. The increase in new adult patients has been particularly notable—with 1 in 3 patients now over the age of 18, this demographic has grown at an astounding rate. That’s why our Decatur Orthodontics team has your guide to adult orthodontic treatment!
We hear from adults every day in our Decatur office who are worried that it’s too late to achieve the straight smile they’ve always wanted. Fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth! You’re never too old to improve your smile with orthodontic care. If you’ve spent a lifetime feeling unhappy with the way your teeth look or function, now is the perfect time to look into all the benefits that treatment has to offer. Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving the increase in adult patients and how orthodontics can help you achieve a confident smile of your own!
Understanding the importance of a healthy smile
Most of our teen patients in braces or aligners are undergoing orthodontic treatment because their parents made the choice for them. While younger patients are certainly able to understand the importance of treatment—and often love the final results—adults typically have a better “real world” understanding of the benefits of braces or aligners and how they can positively impact their lives.
We also tend to learn more about the various ways our oral health is connected to our total body health as we get older. This leads some adults to seek out orthodontic treatment to keep their smiles in the best possible shape. As an adult, you’ll be able to grasp what orthodontic treatment truly is: an investment of your time and finances that pays off in a big way with better oral health and increased self-confidence!
Affordable treatment options
It’s easier than ever to achieve a healthy, confident new smile, thanks to a range of affordable treatment options to fit every budget! We know how confusing the financial side of treatment can be, and our goal at Decatur Orthodontics is to make your orthodontic journey positive and stress-free. We’ve built strong working relationships with the top insurance companies in Georgia and offer convenient in-house payment options. We’ll even work with your dental insurance to make the most of any orthodontic coverage. To make your journey easier, our office team is always available to help you with claims and paperwork.
A variety of treatment options are now available
Not so long ago, metal braces were the only option available for anyone looking to straighten their smile. Today, we have multiple ways to align the teeth and jaws! At Decatur Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the following treatments for a complete smile transformation.
Metal Braces
Metal braces at Decatur Orthodontics have a long track record of success and can be a great option for treating more serious or complex cases. They also tend to be the most affordable treatment option. Metal braces have undergone some pretty major changes in recent years, with brackets that are much smaller and no longer wrap around your entire tooth. Thinner archwires are used to move the teeth with more comfort and speed. You can even put a pop of personality into your treatment journey by choosing fun colors for your elastic bands!
Clear Braces
Clear braces are the same shape and size as metal braces but have the added benefit of translucent brackets that blend in nicely with your natural smile. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics, they provide a very subtle treatment option for image-conscious patients in Decatur! While the ceramic brackets are durable, they can be more prone to breakage than metal brackets. For this reason, we typically only recommend them for our teen and adult patients.
Invisalign clear aligner system
Instead of brackets and wires, the Invisalign system uses a series of customized clear removable aligners to move the teeth. These are made from special thermoplastic material and designed to fit firmly but comfortably over your teeth. Because they’re removable, they provide adult patients with a bit more freedom and flexibility than traditional braces. You’ll be able to eat as you normally would with no food restrictions, and dental hygiene is easier to maintain. When worn as directed by Dr. Francis, Invisalign can be just as effective as braces for treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.
Looking to the future
Everyone knows that braces and aligners can improve the cosmetic appearance of just about any smile, but the benefits are more than skin deep. Crooked or crowded teeth can make it challenging to brush and floss effectively, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Misalignment can 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 with Decatur Orthodontics can reduce or eliminate symptoms like these. It can also help protect you from serious oral health problems in the future. This will not only give you a healthier smile with improved function, but it can also mean major long-term financial savings. That’s definitely something adults with bills to pay can appreciate!
Get the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve with Decatur Orthodontics
You’re never too old to take advantage of all the benefits orthodontics has to offer! No matter your age, our expert team can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re in Decatur or the surrounding areas, we’d love to meet you!
Take the first step towards improved oral health and a smile you’ll love to show off. To get started, schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Francis today!
