If you’ve always thought of orthodontics as something for teens, you’re not entirely wrong. Teenagers do make up a significant percentage of orthodontic patients, and the most common age group for treatment is 10-14. But that doesn’t mean other age groups can’t benefit from everything orthodontics has to offer!
Here at Dietrich Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages, including children and adults. In fact, we’ve been seeing more adults than ever recently, and it’s not just us—about 25% of all current orthodontic patients are over the age of 18. In spite of this statistic, many adults are convinced that the time for a smile transformation has passed them by.
If this sounds like you, rest assured that this couldn’t be further from the truth! There’s no age limit for achieving a more confident smile and improved oral health. Have you spent a lifetime feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed about the way your teeth look or feel? Keep reading to learn how adult orthodontic treatment can give you a beautifully aligned smile you’ll want to share with everyone around you!
What’s behind the increase of adult orthodontic patients?
The increase we’ve seen in adult patients is due to several factors. As we get older, we tend to become more aware of the connection that exists between our oral health and our total body health. Many of us don’t fully realize in our younger years that how well we care for our teeth and gums can impact our entire bodies! Once that link is understood, adults are more likely to seek out dental or orthodontic care that will help maintain their oral health.
Another factor is adults who never completed orthodontic treatment in their teens, or finished the process but didn’t wear their retainer as directed. Over time, their teeth have begun drifting towards their original positions, undoing the progress they made when they were younger. Previous orthodontic patients sometimes want to complete their interrupted orthodontic journey, while others may wish to repeat the whole process from start to finish.
We also have to consider the adults who are simply looking to achieve a straighter, more attractive smile! Correcting crooked teeth and other misalignments will improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile and help reduce or eliminate associated symptoms like headaches and jaw pain. When you feel confident in your smile, you’ll also find it easier to put your best foot forward socially and professionally!
Your complimentary consultation with Dietrich Orthodontics
There’s quite a bit that goes into your free consultation with us. As the first step in your orthodontic journey, it’s one of the most important appointments you’ll have! It’s our chance to meet, get to know each other, and discuss any concerns you have about your oral health. During this consultation, our expert team will:
- review your dental and medical history forms
- perform a thorough oral examination to determine if treatment is necessary
- create a customized treatment plan for you
- discuss the investment required for your new smile
- outline your insurance options and the payment plans available to you
Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with Dr. Dietrich, we’ll go over the investment needed for your new smile. We’ll take the time to ensure you understand everything included in your customized plan, so you never need to worry about hidden fees here! We’ll also talk you through our payment plan options so you can make the best choice for you and your family.
Treatment options for adult patients
Thanks to advancements in orthodontics over the last several years, there’s never been a better time to explore your treatment options! We offer the following treatments for a comfortable, customizable, and affordable experience.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance and come with a proven track record of success. They efficiently treat a variety of orthodontic issues and can be particularly useful in cases that are more severe or complex. While braces have been around for a long time, they have undergone some impressive changes in recent years! Modern metal braces are lighter, sleeker, and more comfortable than previous models. They’re more fun, too! Patients can add a pop of color with our range of brightly colored elastics, or go with clear or tooth-colored bands for a more subtle approach to treatment.
Clear braces
Clear braces function the same way metal braces do, but they come with the added benefit of clear brackets. This offers an incredibly subtle way to straighten teeth, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics. The ceramic brackets we use with clear braces are slightly larger and a bit more brittle than metal brackets, so we are more likely to use them on the upper front teeth than the lower teeth. Because they are much less visible than metal brackets, clear braces tend to be a popular choice with our teen and adult patients!
Keep in mind that not every treatment option will be suitable for all patients. Working with a skilled and experienced orthodontist like Dr. Dietrich will guarantee you’ll receive only the most appropriate treatment for your unique smile.
Find your best smile at Dietrich Orthodontics
Have you been waiting a lifetime for a smile you love? We’re here to finally make it happen! If you’re ready to learn more about how orthodontics can give you a total smile transformation, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with our Canton or Alliance office!