Here at Christian Manley Orthodontics, we’re proud to create beautifully aligned smiles for patients of all ages. And we do mean all ages! While teens still make up a large percentage of orthodontic patients, we’re seeing younger children and adults close that gap every day. The increase in adult patients is particularly impressive—with one in three patients over the age of 18, this demographic has reached an all-time high! That’s why we have your guide to adult orthodontic treatment.
Many adults in Sammamish and Issaquah wonder about the benefits that orthodontic treatment may have for their smiles. Keep reading to learn more about adult orthodontic treatment and how it could transform your smile!
What’s behind the dramatic increase in adult orthodontic patients?
The American Association of Orthodontists was as curious about this as we are, so they conducted a survey on the topic. Adult patients were asked what was driving their desire for orthodontic treatment, and it turns out there are quite a few factors involved in this trend! Let’s take a closer look at those reasons.
Awareness of the importance of a healthy smile
Most adolescents undergo orthodontic treatment because their parents have chosen it for them. While younger patients can certainly understand the importance of treatment—and often love the final results—adults will generally have a better understanding of how a healthier smile can positively impact their lives.
We also tend to learn more about the many ways our oral health is connected to our total body health as we get older. This leads some adults to seek out an orthodontist to help keep their teeth and gums in the best possible shape. Finally, adults are more capable of grasping what orthodontic treatment really is: an investment of your time and finances that will pay off in a big way through improved oral health and increased self-confidence.
A desire for improved oral health
It’s common knowledge that orthodontics can improve the cosmetic appearance of nearly any smile, but the benefits are more than skin deep! 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 can reduce or eliminate these symptoms, while also helping to protect you from serious oral health problems in the future. This can result in some serious financial savings, something that tends to be greatly appreciated by adult patients who have a budget to balance!
More affordable treatment options
It’s easier than ever to achieve a confident new smile, with a range of affordable treatment options to choose from. Dr. Manley offers a variety of payment options to fit every budget! During your consultation, we’ll outline all the fees associated with your treatment plan and ensure you understand each one before moving forward with fitting you for braces or aligners.
A variety of treatment options are now available
Not so many years ago, metal braces were the only option for anyone looking to improve their smile. There are now multiple ways to align the teeth and jaws! Our practice offers many options for a complete smile makeover, including:
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are what most people picture when they think of orthodontics. Today’s brackets are much smaller and no longer wrap around the entire tooth and 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! Metal braces are usually the most economical treatment option and are ideal for patients who have more serious or complex cases.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are the same shape and size as metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets to blend in better with your natural smile. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics, they provide a very subtle way to straighten your teeth! While the ceramic brackets are durable, they are more prone to breakage than metal brackets and can be slightly more expensive. For this reason, Dr. Manley usually only recommends them for our teen and adult patients.
Invisalign clear aligner system
Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to move the teeth. These are made from a special thermoplastic resin and customized to fit over your teeth firmly but comfortably. Because they’re removable, they provide adult patients with a bit more freedom and flexibility than braces, and allow you to brush, floss, and eat as you normally would. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate cases of the most common orthodontic issues and can be just as effective as braces when worn as directed.
Get the healthy smile you deserve with Christian Manley Orthodontics
Like everything in life, every treatment option comes with its own list of pros and cons. Once you’ve read your guide to adult orthodontic treatment you’ll have more information to make the right choice for your smile. However, not every method will be suitable for all patients, which is why it’s so important to work with an experienced orthodontist! When you trust our expert team with your orthodontic needs, you’re guaranteed to receive only the most appropriate treatment for your unique smile.
If you’ve spent a lifetime waiting to take the first step towards a healthier smile, the last thing you want is a one-size-fits-all treatment. Dr. Manley will create a customized treatment plan for your unique smile. He’ll build a plan for you that’s based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. This will give you the most optimal results in the shortest amount of time possible!
You’re never too old to get the confident smile you deserve. If you’re ready to see how orthodontics can transform your teeth, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Christian Manley. We can’t wait to see you smile!