1 in 5
orthodontic patients
are over the age of 21
Why Do Some Adults Need Braces?
Adults represent the fastest-growing segment for orthodontists here in North Carolina, and many patients that we see in our office are adults. Thanks to modern orthodontic technology, it’s possible to achieve incredible results with adult braces or Invisalign in a much shorter amount of time. There is no need to be embarrassed or self-conscious about coming to Blue Ridge Orthodontics. You are far from alone.
Here are a few reasons why our older patients seek orthodontic treatment:
- Crowding – the teeth overlap, making them hard to clean.
- An Open Bite – Significant space between the top and bottom row of teeth.
- A Crossbite – The teeth in the top row don’t align properly with the corresponding teeth in the bottom row.
- An Overbite – The upper jaw is significantly larger than the lower, causing the top row of teeth to significantly protrude over the bottom row.
- An Underbite – The exact opposite of an overbite: the bottom row protrudes beyond the top row of teeth. (We also should note that this type of malocclusion may require surgery to correct in adult patients.)
If you are living with one of these bite problems, our doctors will work with you to identify the most appropriate orthodontic treatment plan. We also can help you to whiten your teeth after treatment to really make your smile shine! Please call us at 828-585-6045, and we can set up a free consultation at our office.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Adult Patients?
For adults who require orthodontic treatment, we offer a variety of options that are comfortable, discreet and customized to meet your needs. Please note that while some options may be more appealing than others, the optimal choice will depend on how your teeth and jaw need to be adjusted to improve your smile.
The treatment options offered at Blue Ridge Orthodontics include:
Invisalign®
The most cosmetically pleasing option we offer is the Invisalign® aligner system. A more comfortable and discreet alternative to braces, Invisalign® is made of a nearly invisible plastic. This is the clear (pun intended!) choice for adults who require orthodontic treatment, yet feel self-conscious about wearing braces. Plus, average treatment lengths are shorter than traditional braces.
If you’re interested in Invisalign®, we are among the top 1% of Invisalign® providers in North America. What does this mean for you? If your current provider hasn’t approved you for Invisalign®, schedule a consultation with BRO in Asheville before compromising. Our extensive experience and training mean there’s a better chance we will be able to design an Invisalign® treatment plan that works for you.
At most orthodontic offices, Invisalign® would cost more than adult braces. At Blue Ridge Orthodontics, however, you’ll pay the EXACT same price for Invisalign® as you would for braces. We care about our patients and want you to make this choice based on what you genuinely prefer, not what is the lowest cost.
Ceramic Braces
When it comes to braces, Blue Ridge Orthodontics offers a whole range of options for our adult patients in Asheville.
For those who may feel self conscious, we provide ceramic braces. Most people won’t even notice that you are wearing ceramic braces. Our ceramic braces are made of special composite materials and are available in various degrees of transparency. Some patients opt for ceramic braces that resemble the color of their teeth, and others want them to be translucent.
Lingual Braces
For those who need their teeth straightened but aren’t comfortable with traditional metal braces, we offer lingual braces. These are placed on the back side of your teeth, so no one will be able to see them. Your smile is free from visible metal or wires.
Due to the unique placement, it takes about 6 weeks to create and properly place the customized brackets for each patient.
Similar to traditional braces, lingual braces usually take anywhere from 18 to 30 months to complete treatment. Lingual braces also tend to be more expensive and more time intensive than traditional braces, since they need to be custom made for each patient.
Traditional Metal Braces
These are what most people think of when you say “braces.” First, small metal brackets are attached to the front of each tooth. The orthodontist then runs a thin wire through each of these brackets. Rubber bands are added last to hold the wire in place. Patients come back to the office every 8-10 weeks, so the orthodontist can make adjustments and monitor the movement of their teeth. This process applies a gentle pressure that moves the teeth into alignment over time.
On average, an adult patient can have traditional metal braces from 18 to 36 months. This type of orthodontic treatment typically costs between $6,000 and $7,000.
Why You Should Consider Orthodontic Treatment
As mentioned before, adults comprise the fastest-growing segment of orthodontic patients in North Carolina. Do your teeth or smile make you feel self-conscious? We have five good reasons why you should consider orthodontic treatment as an adult:
Regain your confidence.
Self-confidence is important, and can impact every area of your life. If you’ve felt self-conscious about your teeth or your smile, it’s time to take steps to address it. Our orthodontics will help you feel more confident and ready to flash those pearly whites.
Improve your oral health.
Orthodontic treatment will straighten your teeth and make it much easier to keep them clean. Not many people realize how much of an impact their oral health has on their overall well-being.
We offer flexible treatment options.
If you’ve avoided seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult because you didn’t want metal braces, we want you to know that you have plenty of options!
Treatment won’t take as long.
We see many patients here in Asheville that are surprised by how quickly modern orthodontic treatments achieve results. Perhaps you’ve put this off because you don’t want to be wearing adult braces for the next 3 years. Our orthodontic approaches can take significantly less time!
Your insurance may cover orthodontic treatment.
Do you have dental insurance? You might be surprised to find that your plan offers coverage for adult orthodontic treatment. If you’re already paying for those dental benefits, then why not take full advantage of them? Schedule your free consultation with Blue Ridge Orthodontics today!
The Difference Between Orthodontic Treatment in Adults and Kids
How does orthodontic treatment differ for adults compared to children and teens? The jaw bones are still developing in younger patients, whereas an adult’s jaw bones have stopped growing. That difference means that certain approaches we use with younger patients simply won’t work in adults. However, we can still create an amazing treatment plan to reach your smile goals!
Other differences include:
Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) – Receding gums or bone loss from gingivitis or periodontal disease is much more common in older patients. These conditions must be addressed specifically when developing a course of treatment.
Worn or missing teeth – Just like your joints, your teeth are worn down over time. They also can shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to move and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.
Incomplete orthodontic treatment – Many adults began orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment. If this applies to you, we recommend completing your orthodontic care to achieve the healthy, confident smile you always wanted.
The BRO team recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and we’re committed to providing personalized attention and care. Our team will work with you to identify the best course of treatment, arrange convenient appointments and ensure that all of your orthodontic needs are met.