Have you had untreated orthodontic issues your whole life?
Are you worried it’s too late to get orthodontic treatment as an adult?
We’ve got good news for you here at Beauchamp Orthodontics!
It’s true that getting orthodontic treatment at an early age is super effective. But let’s face it: it’s not as if kids make that decision themselves! There can be lots of other priorities and maybe it just never gets done. Or maybe you didn’t have a cool Port Orange orthodontist you could trust at that age!
Luckily, it’s never too late to get orthodontic care.
While kids and teens do see faster results than adults do, even the most serious orthodontic issues can respond to treatment at any age. To be sure you get the kind of results you want, you need two things:
- An orthodontist who understands your unique situations and specific needs
- The right kind of orthodontic treatment tools to meet your goals as an adult
When someone has an especially severe orthodontic concern, conventional metal braces may be the only option. But this is rare – and even if you do use metal braces, they are a lot different than they might have been when you were a kid. Yes, even this centuries-old technology is getting an update!
Braces are amazing because they have worked consistently and safely over centuries for people all around the world. You simply can’t go wrong with them. Millions of Americans use them every year, and about 25% of all patients for braces are adults. But we get it: You might want something a bit more subtle.
It’s one of the most common questions we’re asked, and we understand.
Beauchamp Orthodontics has plenty of options for you to consider.
The Three Most Common Orthodontic Treatments for Adults
We see adult patients every month, so we know a thing or two about meeting their needs. Thanks to Dr. Beauchamp’s thousands of hours of training above and beyond dental school, she offers treatment approaches many other Central Florida orthodontists can’t.
Let’s take a closer look:
1. Invisalign®
Invisalign® has made a name for itself as the “clear alternative” to regular braces. These clear plastic “aligners” function in a similar way to braces and will help resolve the majority of orthodontic issues.
Where Invisalign® stands out is its unique appearance and the incredible convenience that comes with using them. They are made of a material so discreet, others may not even realize you are wearing them.
Some patients have said they’re not even noticeable looking in the mirror!
Invisalign® hasn’t been around as long as braces, but that’s okay: They have a track record of millions of successes all across the globe, too. The average patient experiences no side effects and only a day or two of transient soreness or discomfort at the beginning of treatment (the same as with braces.)
The space age material used in Invisalign® is just one of the reasons it’s so valuable to patients.
Another reason Invisalign® works so well is because of the careful way it’s made. Each set of clear plastic aligners is fabricated based on a detailed impression of your mouth. Most of the time, the impression is formed using a bevy of highly accurate digital images. This ensures the best fit you can possibly get.
This precision is a big part of why adults can expect steady progress with their orthodontic concerns. Plus, it means you can take your Invisalign® aligners out any time you need to. For instance, removing them for cleaning or for playing sports is perfectly okay.
(We always recommend using an athletic mouthguard to protect yourself when playing any sport!)
Invisalign® will help put your mind at ease during your follow-up appointments, too. With metal braces, a follow-up appointment means getting braces adjusted. Adjustments have to happen to be sure the right level of tension is placed on the wires, moving the teeth into their treated position.
With Invisalign®, you’ll still have follow-up appointments. But Invisalign® aligners never require manual adjustment. Instead, Dr. Beauchamp will take more images of your teeth to make sure everything is on track. That might mean digital pictures, X-rays, or both.
Are there any drawbacks to Invisalign®? Not really! Just bear these two points in mind:
- The most acute orthodontic issues won’t respond to Invisalign®
- If your Invisalign® aligners get broken, you’ll pay replacement fees
During your initial consultation, Dr. Beauchamp can perform a complete orthodontic checkup and verify if your condition is a good fit for Invisalign®. You’ll always receive the highest quality of personalized care!
2. Clear Braces
Clear braces are the next step for adults who still want something that will suit their personal style, but who can’t use Invisalign® due to the details of their condition. Clear braces are made from a material not too unlike Invsialign®, but their structure is identical to regular braces.
With clear braces, you get the full power of the most proven and dependable orthodontic technology in world history, all in a package you can feel good about. Even the wires of these braces have been fully optimized to be more difficult to see. You might just find they’re ideal for you.
Another enticing reason to pick clear braces is that they tend to deliver faster results. You may be able to cut weeks or months off your treatment time depending on your situation. That means fewer follow-up sessions and a lower investment for the same satisfying outcome.
3. Metal Braces
Metal braces are having a moment – and they’ve come a long way in the last 30 years.
At Beauchamp Orthodontics, we have metal braces in a variety of sizes. In addition to the traditional metal braces you may be most familiar with, there are small form factor braces. Each component is smaller than conventional braces, but the end result of treatment is still the same.
Metal braces are the most reliable around and are even more affordable than clear braces.
Beauchamp Orthodontics Will Get You on Your Way to the Smile You’ve Always Wanted
Of course, you don’t have to decide based on a blog. We have plenty of “before and after” pictures of patients who used each option, including adults. We can also show examples of Invisalign® products. And once you see your options in person, you might have a better idea of what will work.
No matter what you decide, we’ll strive to be the Port Orange orthodontist you trust!
Healthy, beautiful smiles come in all shapes and sizes. We want you to be happy with yours! If you’ve always wanted to have straighter, stronger teeth, Dr. Beauchamp is here to help. She’ll even be able to estimate how long it will take you to see your results in the mirror.
Ready to find out more? There’s no pressure and no obligation. Schedule your consultation online and you’ll get all your questions answered directly by Dr. Beauchamp. We look forward to meeting you soon!
