Here at Christian Manley Orthodontics, we like to think of ourselves as Sammish and Issaquah’s go-to resource for all things tooth and jaw-related. We’ve worked hard to become so! So when you’ve got a question about the best types of braces for adults, we’ve got you covered. Did you know that roughly 32% of all new orthodontic patients in the United States are over 18? It’s true! There are plenty of reasons for that uptick, but a lot of it comes down to the fact that there are so many great options these days! From traditional metal braces to options like Invisalign or Lightforce Clear Braces, there’s a style to suit every preference. Read on to learn more about your options as an adult orthodontic patient today!
Traditional Metal Braces – Still the Most Popular Option
Even among adults, traditional metal braces are still the most common and popular treatment we see at Christian Manley. And there’s a good reason for that! Today’s metal braces are lighter, more comfortable, and more durable than ever. That means treatment is much more convenient and easy to deal with than back in the day, and luckily, traditional metal braces can take on the most complex bite problems around!
Traditional metal braces are a fantastic option for adults who aren’t concerned about the visibility of their treatment and don’t want to worry about keeping track of their aligners in the case of something like Invisalign. At Christian Manley, we proudly offer Damon metal braces, which are among the best possible make in the industry. Damon metal braces are more durable than other options, so treatment times are potentially shorter. That means that if speed of treatment is a priority for you, metal braces might be the way to go.
So, just to recap:
- Traditional metal braces are the most common and popular treatment at Christian Manley, even among adults.
- Today’s metal braces are lighter, more comfortable, and more durable than before.
- Metal braces effectively address complex bite problems.
- They are an excellent option for adults not concerned about visibility.
- Damon metal braces offered at Christian Manley are among the industry’s best.
- Damon braces are more durable, potentially leading to shorter treatment times.
- For those prioritizing speed, our recommendation is metal braces.
Invisalign – Taking the Orthodontics World By Storm
By now, most people are familiar with the concept of Invisalign, as they’ve rapidly become an orthodontic mainstay over the past 30 years or so. But just in case you haven’t heard, Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that forgoes any wires, brackets, or other complex equipment. Instead, you’ll come into the office for a quick and easy session of digital scanning of your teeth and jaws, performed with our advanced iTero digital scanner. After that, we’ll send off the results, along with your customized treatment plan developed by Dr. Manley, and in a few weeks, you’ll receive your first set of aligning trays.
The trays are removable, so cleanup is a cinch, and you won’t have to deal with some of the recommended dietary restrictions that sometimes come along with metal or ceramic braces. However, it’s important to remember that you must wear your trays consistently for the entire duration of your treatment, generally 20-22 hours a day. Otherwise, things could take longer, or you may even have to start over!
Considering that, Invisalign is fantastic in the case that you’re interested in something that lets you eat and play freely, is easy to clean, and, maybe the best part, is almost totally invisible! That’s a big deal for many of our older patients; they aren’t interested in a treatment option that will call attention to itself. With Invisalign, you never have to worry about that!
Clear Braces – The Clear Alternative to Metal
One option that has become increasingly popular over the years is clear ceramic braces. They combine many of the upsides of traditional braces – they’re stronger, able to handle more complex cases, and don’t need to carefully adhere to a self-disciplined schedule – with some of the fantastic benefits of options like Invisalign. Namely, they’re practically invisible themselves!
We offer Damon clear braces. They make these kinds of braces with robust polycrystalline ceramic that blends seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth for a stunning smile. It’s no wonder patients love them! And since they’re ceramics, they’re even more comfortable than metal braces since there aren’t any relatively sharper, harder surfaces to provoke irritation of the gums or lips.
Some patients may worry that clear braces are a more expensive option, but that’s not the case at Christian Manley Orthodontics! We’re proud to offer our clear option at the exact cost of metal braces, so your choice comes down to preference, not pocketbook.
More Questions? Let’s Talk!
And there you have it! Some of our most popular options for adults seeking orthodontic treatment. Hopefully, we’ve given you something to think about, but we encourage you to call us with any additional questions or to discuss your options! You can reach us at (425) 392-7533 or just fill out this convenient online form to get started! Consultations are always free, and we can’t wait to get started on your new smile!