Clear aligners and braces aren’t just for kids and teenagers. In fact, more than a quarter of orthodontic patients in North America are adults. If you’re wondering, “Am I too old for braces or clear aligners?” The answer is, definitely not! Maybe you forgot to wear your retainer and your teeth shifted or you never had the opportunity to straighten your teeth before at all. Whatever the reason, wearing clear aligners or getting braces as an adult can have a seriously positive impact on your oral health and confidence. Here’s what you should know about adult orthodontics:
1. You Might be Surprised at the Benefits of Wearing Clear Aligners or Getting Braces as an Adult.
Straightening your teeth will give you a fantastic smile, however, the benefits of braces for adults go beyond just the look of your smile. Straightening your teeth:
- Creates facial symmetry, improving your appearance and making you look younger
- Gives you confidence that carries over into all aspects of your life
- Makes teeth easier to clean, which reduces the chances of tooth decay and gum disease
- Prevents uneven wear of the teeth and by fixing protruding teeth, we can also lessen the likelihood they’ll be chipped or fractured
- Also involves aligning your jaw, which alleviates undue pressure on your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and the related headaches, jaw pain and neck aches
- Makes it easier to chew, speak and breathe properly
- Boosts your oral health, which in turn, improves your overall health since gum disease is linked to a host of conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
2. There are Plenty of Orthodontic Treatment Options.
Getting braces as an adult doesn’t mean you have to sport a mouth full of metal. While today’s metal braces are smaller, more streamlined and more attractive than ever before, most of our Tarrytown adult braces patients opt for more aesthetic treatments. The most popular orthodontic options for adults include clear braces, which blend in with your smile, and clear aligners. At 914 Smiles, Dr. Kothari is an expert in both Invisalign® and 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners. He also offers his own in-house brand of aligners, 914 Aligners.
Clear aligners are virtually invisible, particularly our 914 Aligners, which utilize a thin, incredibly clear, cutting-edge material. Aligners are also comfortable and, even better, removable. You’ll take your clear aligners out to eat so there are no food restrictions and your brushing and flossing routine will remain the same.
3. Clear Aligners and Braces for Adults Can be Extremely Effective
Thanks to advances in treatment planning and the treatments themselves, adult orthodontics can bring about dramatic results. With innovations like shape-memory braces wires, attachments for clear aligners and digital treatment planning, we can achieve complex tooth movements and get amazing outcomes, even in cases that would have required jaw surgery in the past.
As long as the teeth and gums are healthy, braces or Invisalign for adults will work great. Even if you have oral health concerns, Dr. Kothari can collaborate with your dentist or any specialists to ensure you get to a place where treatment will be safe and effective. Now, can you get clear aligners or braces if you have crowns, fillings or bridges? Yes, you can. The tooth roots will shift and move in response to the pressure from your braces or aligners. Dr. Kothari is experienced in working with adult orthodontic patients who have restorations and has the expertise to shift the teeth into place dental work and all.
4. You Won’t be in Treatment Forever.
A main concern people have about adult braces or clear aligners is that treatment will last for years and years. That’s not the case. Dr. Kothari uses advanced treatment planning to map out your tooth movements before you start treatment. He designs the ideal smile based on your unique facial features and he can see different outcomes and predict challenges ahead of time, making treatment much more efficient. This allows him to achieve the desired results in less time.
5. Orthodontic Treatment is Way More Comfortable These Days.
From impressions to the actual clear aligners and braces for adults, the entire orthodontic treatment process is a lot more comfortable than ever before. We use innovations like the iTero scanner to take quick, comfortable digital scans of your teeth to plan out your treatment. No more goopy, messy molds! Today’s braces rely on smaller brackets and lightweight wires, which means less friction, irritation and sensitivity. Clear aligners don’t involve brackets and wires at all and the smooth, BPA-free plastic slips right over your teeth for maximum comfort.
6. Adult Orthodontics Can Fit Your Busy Schedule.
At our Tarrytown orthodontic practice, we use digital systems, as well as cutting-edge treatments. There are fewer visits required and the appointments you do have are faster. We also have the option of virtual consultations and online check-in, so we can keep in touch from wherever you are. We make sure treatment fits your schedule.
7. We Make the Cost of Braces and Clear Aligners Work for Your Budget.
While your adult braces cost or the cost of clear aligners will depend on a number of factors, we strive to make it affordable and we let you know the price upfront at your consultation. There are never any hidden surprises. We want you to be able to choose the treatment you really want, which is why we also offer clear aligners, metal braces and clear braces for the same price. We accept most insurance and have convenient, competitive payment plans, including interest-free, in-office financing.
If you’re thinking about getting clear aligners or braces as an adult, schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with our Tarrytown orthodontist today! We pride ourselves in giving patients of all ages amazing results conveniently and comfortably.
