Adult Orthodontics – Allen, TX
Get a Straighter Smile While Staying Professional
Orthodontics are typically associated with young children, but did you know that roughly 25% of all orthodontic patients in the United States are in fact over 18 years of age? Whether you’re someone in college or multiple decades into their career, you can still choose to straighten teeth and achieve the smile you’ve wanted your entire life. Dr. Hanson has helped many adults solve problems they didn’t think were solvable, especially using subtle treatments that let them keep their current appearance. To learn more about our options for adult orthodontics in Allen, schedule a FREE consultation by giving us a call today.
Why Choose Hanson Orthodontics of Allen for Adult Orthodontics?
- Highly Experienced Orthodontist By Your Side
- Invisalign Clear Aligners Available
- Clear/Ceramic Braces for More Complex Cases
The Difference Between Adult & Childhood Orthodontics
One of the reasons why orthodontics is recommended for children in most cases is because the bones of the face and jaw are not fully set. This makes them much easier to manipulate with orthodontic treatment. So, if we want to straighten the teeth or realign the bite, you want to start young. Adults have bones that are completely hardened, so while it’s still possible to shift the teeth and bite, the process will take a little longer (particularly for very advanced orthodontic issues). In certain cases, corrective surgery is the only option. Thankfully, Dr. Hanson is typically able to provide exactly what an adult patient needs. Through a gentle, non-invasive approach, she can help you achieve results that last a lifetime.
Our Adult Orthodontic Treatment Options
- Invisalign: See-through plastic aligner trays are used to shift teeth, allowing patients to discreetly straighten their smile without people around them even noticing they are undergoing treatment. The trays are so thin that they essentially disappear when worn. Additionally, the trays can be removed whenever needed. That means you can eat the foods you want and practice the same oral hygiene routine you’re already used to, something that cannot be said when wearing traditional braces.
- Clear/Ceramic Braces: Much like traditional braces, clear/ceramic braces use brackets and wires to shift teeth. The main difference is if you saw someone wearing them, you probably wouldn’t even notice. This is because the materials used to create clear/ceramic braces are either transparent or designed to blend in with existing enamel. This makes them far more discreet-looking than metal braces, which are typically silver-colored. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness just to maintain your smile’s appearance.
Adult Orthodontics FAQs
Whether you never had braces, or you had braces as a kid but then your teeth moved out of position, you may have a few questions on your mind about orthodontic treatment as an adult. We’re here to help you find the answers! If you want to talk to our Allen orthodontist directly, you’re more than welcome to give us a call or schedule a consultation. Otherwise, you can read on for the answers to FAQs.
My Teeth Have Been Crooked for Years – Why Get Braces Now?
The truth is that orthodontic treatment is about so much more than just aesthetics! If your teeth are crooked, then they can create crevices that food particles, plaque, and other debris can easily get trapped in, increasing your chances of developing serious oral health problems in the process. Additionally, patients with overcrowding often grind or clench their teeth since their bite isn’t even. This can lead to several consequences as well, including premature wear and tear. In short, straightening your teeth has the potential to positively impact the look, health, and function of your smile!
Am I Too Old for Braces?
Since children and teens are the two most popular age groups with braces, many patients assume that there comes a point where they are “too old” for orthodontic treatment. That’s not the case. In fact, there isn’t technically an upper age limit for braces! If you are struggling with crooked, gapped, or otherwise misaligned teeth, you shouldn’t let your age stop you from scheduling a consultation.
Do Braces Take Longer as an Adult?
Since your jaw is still developing and your teeth can be moved more easily when you’re younger, many patients assume that their treatment timeline will be significantly longer as an adult. There are a few reasons that may not be the case. To start, many older patients experience fewer “hiccups” because they understand the importance of implementing a solid oral hygiene regimen and following all of the treatment guidelines (including the dietary restrictions). Furthermore, there are several factors aside from age that play a role in the length of your treatment, including how complex your case of misalignment is.
Does Getting Braces as an Adult Hurt?
Although you can expect to feel some soreness as your teeth move, this definitely shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dream smile. After all, there are several measures you can take to alleviate your discomfort, starting with sticking to soft foods for the first couple of hours after having your braces adjusted or switching to a new set of aligners. Additionally, you can use a cold compress to provide a temporary numbing sensation or take an OTC pain reliever as directed. Of course, if a sharp bracket or the edge of one of your trays is what’s causing your discomfort, then there’s another option: using dental wax!