Adult Orthodontics
Adult Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is no longer limited to kids. Clear aligners (Invisalign) and lingual braces (invisible braces) changed the orthodontic treatment for adult patients. Clear braces and traditional braces (front of the teeth) are still popular for some adults. In sum there are various types of braces available for adults.
Adult orthodontic treatment include correcting crooked teeth as well as fixing deep overbite, excessive overjet, or underbite. Orthodontists offer orthodontic care to fix malocclusion or to correct jaw problems. A confident smile and straight teeth can take you far.
Benefits of Adult Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment offers transformative benefits for adults, far beyond just achieving a straighter teeth.
Enhanced oral health is a key advantage, as properly aligned teeth make brushing and flossing more effective, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Orthodontic care can also alleviate jaw discomfort, correct bite orthodontic problems, and improve overall chewing efficiency.
Beyond functional improvements, the boost in self-confidence that comes from a healthier, more harmonious smile is invaluable. Modern advancements in orthodontics, such as nearly invisible aligners and discreet behind-the-teeth braces, make treatment more comfortable and convenient than ever for adults.
At our Sammamish and Bellevue offices, we specialize in adult orthodontic care, offering solutions designed to fit your lifestyle and priorities. Investing in orthodontics as an adult is more than a cosmetic choice—it's a step toward improved health, function, and confidence.
Orthodontic treatment options
Orthodontic treatment options have changed like everything in dentistry. Ceramic braces (ceramic brackets) used to be an only upgrade the traditional metal braces for adult orthodontic patients.
Orthodontic treatment options for adults include:
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Correcting misalignment and teeth straightening
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Improving oral hygiene, gum disease, and overall health by fixing malocclusion
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Preparing spaces for dental implants
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Improving TMJ problems in certain malocclusions
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Correcting jaw abnormalities with orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery)
Orthodontic treatment time for adult braces
Treatment time is directly tied to the treatment plan which is based on the complexity of orthodontic care. Adult clear aligners or braces varies from 6 months to 2 years of orthodontic care.
Adult Orthodontic Experience
Orthodontic care is suitable for patients of all ages, and we’re here to help adults achieve their smile goals—whether they never had treatment as kids or are looking to correct issues after a relapse from adolescent braces.
Adults seek orthodontic treatment for many reasons, ranging from a desire for straighter front teeth to improve confidence, to complex cases like surgical orthodontics for jaw alignment. With advancements in adult orthodontics, including 3D printing and behind-the-teeth braces, more adults than ever are choosing to enhance their smiles.
At our Sammamish and Bellevue offices, we provide high-quality orthodontic services specifically tailored to meet the needs of adults. Our convenient office hours accommodate busy schedules, and patients from all over Greater Seattle come to us for care. Our Bellevue orthodontics office is very close to Spring District Station.
Explore adult orthodontic services in Sammamish and Bellevue—where personalized, high-quality treatment is our priority.
Adult Invisalign (Clear Aligners)
Clear aligners are plastic trays (Invisalign aligners) covering your teeth. You have to wear these aligners around 22 hours a day as part of your orthodontic treatment. You can take them out to eat, brush and floss.
Clear aligners started with the align technology mostly for adult patients with crowded teeth. Invisalign providers (ideally orthodontists) mostly offered teeth-straightening for cosmetic reasons. Invisalign treatment allows you to take out the trays for brushing, which can help prevent gum disease.
Invisalign clear aligners represent a modern approach to correct orthodontic issues, offering an alternative to traditional braces for adult treatment. These clear plastic aligners are nearly invisible. They help to improve self-esteem and confidence by creating a beautiful smile. Clear aligner treatment uses a series of aligners to gradually move teeth to the desired position.
This method can fix bite problems and straighten teeth. It can improve dental health and reduce the risk of tooth decay caused by crooked teeth. Orthodontists use custom aligners for each person to ensure a comfortable fit and fast progress towards a new smile.
Invisalign is a popular option for adults who want to fix their teeth without noticeable braces. It helps them look professional while improving their smile.
Wearing braces as an adult
Braces is indeed an option for tooth movement in adult patients. Fixing dental issues in adult teeth may involve treating other conditions such as gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease). Length of treatment for adults depends to the complexity of care. Treatment takes a range of 6 to 30 months.
Getting braces or clear aligners
Removable aligners or braces are great choices for orthodontic care in adults. Some patients require rubber bands or elastics to fix their teeth. For example, bite correction or open bite needs elastics connected to archwires or aligners.
Box orthodontics or DIY adult braces
The American association of orthodontists has been warning adult patients about direct to consumers aligner treatment options like smile direct club. These companies often claim accessibility and improvement of oral health as the center of their mission.
Cost of braces and dental insurance
Most orthodontists offer free consultations to learn the treatment plan and the cost of treatment. Insurance coverage for orthodontic treatment is limited to 50% of the total cost with a cap based on the dental plans. . This include appliances like self-ligating braces or clear aligners, xrays, visits and retainers. Payment plans are mostly interest free for orthodontic treatment.