Adult Treatment

We offer many options for adults to straighten their teeth

Although the importance of a beautiful, healthy smile and a proper bite to prevent dental problems is well known, some adults are hesitant to initiate orthodontic treatment. Adults are often pleased to discover that we have several options to straighten teeth that have been developed to straighten their teeth more quickly, less noticeably, and with minimal discomfort:

• Newly Advanced, Hi-Tech Metal Braces

  In our office, we offer the most advanced metal braces available. Braces today are smaller, flatter, and much more comfortable. Years of research on tooth movement have resulted in wires that move teeth much more efficiently and result in patients wearing braces for less time and with a better result.

• Ceramic (Clear) Braces

  Clear braces today are extremely hi-tech and perform just as well as metal braces. Clear braces combined with white wires and clear elastics ties are much less noticeable than metal brackets. Today's clear braces are also very stain resistant and do not discolor like ones in the past. They are a fine choice for patients who want their braces to be less noticeable.

• Invisalign®

  Many of our patients who have always wanted to improve their bite and smile and never considered traditional braces are now happily and comfortably doing so with Invisalign®. Invisalign® is a series of clear aligners made of lightweight plastic that fit smoothly and comfortably on your teeth to gradually straighten them. Aligners are removable but must be worn 20-22 hours every day, except for when eating, brushing, flossing, or attending special occasions. The aligners are exchanged for a new set every two weeks, and office visits are typically every 8 weeks. Invisalign® can effectively correct crowded teeth, widely-spaced teeth, and other orthodontic problems. However, like any removable orthodontic appliance, teeth can only move if the trays are worn full-time as prescribed. On average, Invisalign® treatment takes approximately one year or less and the cost is typically about the same as traditional braces.

  Beyond the near invisibility of the trays, advantages of Invisalign® are as follows:

• The ability to be “braceless” for milestone events (but remember, you have to wear them for at least 20 hours per day)

• Better maintain oral hygiene since aligners can be removed to brush and floss

• There are no restrictions on eating and drinking

• Compared to traditional braces, this system often requires fewer office visits, shorter appointments, and there are typically no "emergency" visits.