It’s Never Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids and teenagers. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), adult orthodontic treatment is at an all-time high. With more discreet options like Invisalign®, and less social stigma about adults wearing braces and orthodontic appliances (remember when Tom Cruise got braces?), it’s never too late for adults to invest in straighter teeth.

At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontics, our dentists Dr. Nathalie Phaeton and Dr. Ki Youn Kil offer orthodontics for children and adults at our office in Falls Church, Virginia. 

Orthodontics aren’t just for kids and teenagers

In the past, many adults have been understandably reluctant about orthodontics for personal and professional reasons. While wearing braces or orthodontic appliances is normal and even a rite of passage in childhood, adults have to weigh the benefits of straightening their teeth against the social and professional stigma of a mouth full of metal.

That all changed with the invention of Invisalign clear aligner trays, which offer a discreet and less-invasive alternative to traditional braces for adults. Invisalign gradually shifts your teeth into the correct alignment to fix bite problems just like braces, but it does it without the wires and brackets. 

Invisalign consists of a series of custom-designed aligner trays made of clear plastic. Each tray is worn for about two weeks, and can be removed for up to two hours every day so you can continue to eat your favorite foods and brush and floss as usual. The trays are practically invisible, so you don’t have to sacrifice your smile during the treatment.

Invisalign can fix most bite and alignment issues, including:

• Crowding
• Crooked teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Open bite
• Gaps and spacing

In some cases, Invisalign may not be the right option for more extensive bite issues, but there are several orthodontic solutions available for adults. In addition to traditional metallic braces, adults can also choose from ceramic, lingual, and self-ligating braces. Ceramic braces consist of clear brackets, so they’re more discreet and less noticeable than metallic braces. 

Lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth, so no one will notice them when you smile or eat. 

Each orthodontic treatment comes with its own set of pros and cons, depending on your dental needs and preferences. After a thorough exam and review of your dental history, our orthodontist will recommend the option that works with your lifestyle and delivers the best results.

For more information about adult orthodontic options like Invisalign, call us at 703-498-2440, or schedule an appointment online.