Although orthodontic treatment was once seen solely as a rite of passage for teens, there is been a shift in the way patients think, and orthodontists are treating more adults than ever before. In fact, about 1 in every 4 current orthodontic patients is over the age of 18, a record number! With the number of adult patients in braces or seeking orthodontic treatment on the rise, there is never been a better time to explore how Amazing Smiles Orthodontics can give you the beautifully aligned and fully functional smile you have always wanted!
Have you spent years being unhappy with the way your smile looks or feels, but always thought you were past the age you could do anything about it? Would you love to possess a straighter smile but are not sure that you can pull off braces as an adult? Has it become difficult to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as they should be over the years? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then adult braces could be just what you are looking for! Here at Amazing Smiles, we believe a beautiful, healthy smile should be available to patients of all ages. It is never too late for you to take advantage of the innovative orthodontic treatment we offer to correct a variety of orthodontic issues, like crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more.
To learn more about what orthodontics is, and what our Amazing Smiles team has to offer adult patients like you, keep reading!
What exactly is orthodontics?
If you picture dentistry as an umbrella, then orthodontics is a specialty that falls underneath it. An orthodontist is essentially a dentist who has completed years of highly specialized training in identifying and correcting bite abnormalities in addition to dental school. This extra training and experience gives orthodontists the skills they need to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structures, and improve the function of your smile.
Orthodontics as a whole focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. When left untreated over time, these issues can worsen, causing abnormal wear and tear to the surface of your teeth and excess stress on the gum tissue and bone. This can result in headaches, pain in the face and neck, or even difficulties with chewing or speech. By choosing an experienced orthodontist to diagnose and treat your oral issues, you will be putting your smile in the very best hands.
What you can expect from an orthodontic appointment
We view your first visit to Amazing Smiles Orthodontics as one of the most important ones! We know that first impressions stick, and we value this opportunity to get to know you and assess your orthodontic needs. We want to wow you from the moment you walk in our door, and that starts by offering you a complimentary initial consultation. After one of our orthodontists performs an oral examination and we do digital photographs and/or x-rays of your teeth, he will discuss your diagnosis and orthodontic treatment options with you in detail. This visit will also include creating a customized treatment plan for you. We will let you know your estimated treatment time, and set up an appointment for you to come back and have your braces put on.
It is very important to us that every patient have access to a Mastroianni Smile! We will work with your budget and we offer flexible financing and payment plans for all our treatment options. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized, affordable orthodontic care!
Why more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment
As we age, we will often come to a better understanding of how our oral health is connected to our overall health, giving us a renewed desire to take better care of our teeth and gums. There are also many adults who received some orthodontic treatment earlier in life that was never completed, or if treatment was finished, they did not wear their retainer as directed afterward. Teeth that were straightened can shift over the years. As an adult, you may want to complete the process you started, or redo your orthodontic treatment completely, to achieve the straight and healthy smile you have always wanted. Whatever the reason for seeking treatment, there do tend to be some common issues that cause dental problems in the first place, including:
- a bad bite, known as a malocclusion, that causes the teeth to fit together incorrectly
- crowded teeth
- gaps in teeth
- abnormal jaw pain, or pressure, that is caused by crooked teeth
Of course, you may simply want to improve your smile cosmetically, something we fully support. Patients who undergo orthodontic treatment to create a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile often find it increases their confidence and gives them a boost of self-esteem!
Orthodontic options for adult patients at Amazing Smiles
There are more choices available than ever before for adult patients who seek a smile makeover. We are proud to offer the following treatments.
Traditional metal braces – These easily recognizable appliances are classic for a reason! When it comes to effective braces treatment, these deliver excellent results, particularly in more severe or complicated cases. Made of high-quality stainless steel, modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, and the treatment time itself is often shorter than it used to be.
Ceramic braces – Functioning in much the same way traditional braces do, these braces use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. These brackets come in white or are tooth-colored, allowing them to blend into your smile. Ceramic braces are an excellent choice for anyone who prefers a more discreet treatment option. They are more delicate than metal braces, however, so we will generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.
Invisalign® clear aligners – The Invisalign system consists of removable plastic trays, or aligners, that are custom-made to fit over the teeth and gently move them into the desired positions over time. Dr. Jeff is an Elite Invisalign Provider, meaning he is among the top 1% of all Invisalign providers. He has years of experience treating thousands of patients with Invisalign.
Each orthodontic option we offer has its own list of pros and cons, and not every treatment will be suitable for all patients. Working with an experienced orthodontist like the ones at Amazing Smiles Orthodontics guarantees you will receive only the treatment that will provide the very best results for your specific case.
Amazing Smiles is your one-stop shop for adult braces treatment
Are you ready to take the first steps to improve your smile? Here at Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, cookie-cutter treatment does not stand a chance. Our orthodontists will customize a treatment plan for you based on your individual needs and goals. Our team is dedicated to providing a top-quality orthodontic experience for you, from your complimentary consultation to the day you get your braces off – and beyond! With three convenient locations in O’Fallon, Glen Carbon, and Clayton, and a skilled staff you can trust for the best results, Amazing Smiles Orthodontics can give you the beautifully aligned smile you deserve. Get in touch today or click here to schedule your free consultation and find out all the ways braces can benefit your smile in adulthood!