More adults today are prioritizing their dental health. Dentistry has evolved into a preventative dental care model, focusing on maintaining good oral hygiene and correcting issues like crooked teeth (malocclusions such as underbites) to prevent gum disease and promote overall oral health.
Adult patients seek orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons. These ortho treatments can range from simple tooth alignment of crooked teeth, creating space for dental implants, correcting bites, addressing sleep apnea, to even corrective jaw surgery.
At PORTH, we offer a wide range of orthodontic care options tailored to adult patients, including clear aligner therapy (Invisalign), metal braces, clear braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces. The choice of treatment is a personal decision, and we ensure that you have options to suit your needs. We believe that type of braces or aligners are a personal choice.
If you are an adult patient living in Sammamish, Issaquah, Bellevue, Redmond, Snoqualmie and looking for treatment options, you are in right place. Dr. Rooz Khosravi, an associate professor of orthodontics at the University of Washington, treat patients of all ages yet he offers a range of adult orthodontics services including interdisciplinary complex adult orthodontic care.
Some of the treatment options you would have at PORTH are as follow:
Clear aligners (Invisalign) for adults
Clear aligner therapy offers a fantastic alternative to traditional metal braces for adults. These removable trays, resembling clear retainers, provide a discreet way to straighten teeth. Clear aligner treatment is a great choice for patients willing to wear removable trays 22 hours per day.
Clear aligner treatment is a recent approach to orthodontic care available through both orthodontists and dentists (DDS).
Providers using the Invisalign system are known as Invisalign providers. These professionals undergo specialized training to understand how the Invisalign platform works. Their usage of the product determines their tier, with higher tiers reflecting more extensive experience.
For example, a VIP Diamond+ 1% Invisalign Provider has managed a large number of cases. However, it’s crucial to note that the tier ranking does not necessarily reflect the Invisalign provider’s skill or expertise.
There are now many aligner systems available on the market, including Spark aligners, uLab aligners, Angel aligners, Suresmile aligners, and 3M Clarity aligners, among others. Advances in orthodontics have made clear aligners an excellent choice, especially for adults, as an alternative to traditional braces. The success of clear aligner treatment is more closely related to the provider’s skill and knowledge than to the specific aligner brand used. Most aligner systems offer similar results.
Lingual braces (adult invisible braces)
Lingual braces, also known as braces behind the teeth, represent the ultimate cosmetic orthodontic solution because they are truly invisible. This specialized appliance is offered by only a small group of orthodontists due to the technical challenges involved in its use.
Lingual braces are significantly more efficient at moving teeth compared to other esthetic options, such as Invisalign treatment. Depending on the complexity of the orthodontic case, adult patients may choose between aligner treatment or lingual braces. Additionally, the desire to overcome challenges associated with aligner orthodontic treatment may lead some adult patients to opt for lingual braces over Invisalign.
Clear dental braces for adults
Clear ceramic braces offer a third option for adult patients who prefer not to use lingual braces or aligner treatment. While the wires used in clear braces are visible, they provide an effective and discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. However, these braces are also more prone to breakage.
At PORTH, the unique option that you could have is to mix and match all types of braces with clear aligners. For example, you can have lingual braces in the upper teeth and metal braces in the lower teeth. Or, clear aligners for upper teeth and metal braces for the lower. We personalized your treatment with hybrid appliances — a mix of your choices.
Corrective jaw surgery
For certain adult patients, treatment needs extend beyond orthodontic treatment alone. Skeletal issues such as a small lower jaw, asymmetric jaws, or an overly strong lower jaw cannot always be corrected with braces or aligners alone. One effective treatment option for adult patients is combining jaw surgery with adult orthodontic treatment, known as orthognathic surgery.
Orthognathic surgery integrates adult orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery. The typical sequence involves a pre-surgery orthodontic phase, followed by surgery, and then post-surgery orthodontic treatment. The entire process can take between 14 months to three years. The cost of corrective jaw surgery includes both the orthodontic treatment and the jaw surgery itself, with medical insurance primarily covering hospital charges.
At PORTH, we have numerous patients treated with orthognathic surgery. Dr. Rooz collaborates with various surgeons. Corrective jaw surgery driven by digital technology is one of unique personalized treatment options we offer. Book a free consultation to learn more about your treatment options. We offer corrective jaw surgery with lingual braces and clear aligners so you don’t have to wear traditional braces.
Orthodontic treatment for obstructive sleep apnea
A significant number of adult patients struggle with sleep apnea, a multifactorial condition with various underlying causes. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one type of sleep-related breathing disorder. In addition to standard treatments like CPAP or oral appliances (MAD), corrective jaw surgery (MMA) is an excellent option for addressing OSA in adult patients.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that orthodontists collaborate with a sleep team to provide comprehensive care for patients with OSA.
Unfortunately, many aggressive treatment options, such as MARPE or AGGA, are often recommended to OSA patients without proper diagnosis or collaboration with a sleep team. These unwarranted treatments can lead to irreversible damage, including gum tissue damage, premature tooth loss, TMJ problems (TMD), and bite issues.
Dr. Rooz works closely with a team of specialists to offer scientifically-driven treatments for patients with OSA. If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to us.
Board-certified orthodontist
Finding the right provider can be an overwhelming process for adult orthodontic patients. Most orthodontic offices primarily treat children and teenagers, but the nature of orthodontic treatment for adults is significantly different. PORTH, with two convenient locations, offers specialized orthodontic services in Bellevue and Sammamish.
Personalized Orthodontics (PORTH) was founded with the goal of utilizing cutting-edge advancements in orthodontics to provide personalized treatment options for every patient. We proudly serve patients from Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie, and Seattle, with our clinics easy accessibility from all these cities.
Dr. Rooz Khosravi is the sole provider at PORTH, ensuring that each patient receives individualized care. Book a free consultation to learn more about your treatment plan, payment options, and the types of braces or aligners available for your orthodontic needs.
Cost of adult orthodontic treatment
The cost of adult orthodontic treatment typically ranges from $3,000 to $15,000. The final cost depends on the treatment needs and the complexity of the orthodontic care required. At PORTH, we offer personalized payment plans to ensure that your treatment is both effective and affordable.
FAQs on adult orthodontics
Does orthodontic treatment work for adults?
Yes. It’s a common myth that orthodontic treatment is only for kids. More adults are seeking orthodontic treatment than ever before. At PORTH, we treat many adult patients, ranging from 18 to 70 years old.
What age is adult orthodontics?
Adult orthodontic treatment is available for patients aged 18 to 80 years. The treatment plan for adult patients is tailored based on their orthodontic needs and biological response to tooth movement.
How long does adult orthodontics take?
Adult orthodontic treatment typically ranges from 6 months to three years, depending on the complexity of the case.
Who can refer me to an orthodontist?
You do not need a referral to consult with an orthodontist for your adult orthodontic care.
What is the average cost of Invisalign braces?
The cost of Invisalign or clear aligner treatment varies based on several factors. Read more here for detailed information.
Do clear aligners work?
Yes, clear aligners can effectively address most orthodontic issues, similar to braces. The success of clear aligner treatment depends on patient compliance and the provider’s knowledge and skills.
Are clear aligners better than braces?
For most adult patients, clear aligners are as effective as braces. Certain tooth movements can be more efficient with clear aligners, just as they are with braces. Both options have their pros and cons.
Do clear braces work?
Yes, clear braces work similarly to metal braces and are effective for adult orthodontics. However, clear braces are more prone to breakage, which could lead to additional emergency visits.
Are clear aligners the same as Invisalign?
Clear aligner is a generic term, while Invisalign is a specific brand of clear aligners. It’s similar to how Advil is a brand of ibuprofen; clear aligners are the generic category, and Invisalign is a specific brand within that category.
Are aligners considered orthodontics?
Yes, clear aligner treatment is a type of orthodontic appliance used to offer orthodontic care.
Can clear aligners work as well as braces?
The effectiveness of clear aligners depends on the patient’s compliance with wearing them full-time and the provider’s expertise in using clear aligners to move teeth.
What types of braces are available for adults in Sammamish and Issaquah?
At Personalized Orthodontics (PORTH), adult patients have access to a variety of options, including unique choices like lingual braces.
What are the best adult orthodontic services available in Sammamish and Issaquah?
Adult orthodontic treatment is distinct from treatment for kids and teens. Dr. Rooz, an associate professor of orthodontics at the University of Washington, specializes in interdisciplinary orthodontic treatment for adults. You can book a free consultation to explore your options.