The short answer is no, you’re never too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment. From aligning teeth that have shifted later in life to correcting bite issues for reduced discomfort, Booth Orthodontics helps many adults get a beautiful, healthy smile they love.

While the stereotype of a teen with a mouth full of metal has had some serious staying power over the years, the truth is today, as many as one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. 

Innovative techniques mean adults have more options than ever before for orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, removable clear aligners, tooth-colored braces and braces that go behind the teeth. And, our advanced digital scanner simulates outcomes to show adults their results before getting started. There’s no reason to hide your smile behind your hand anymore!

You’re never too old for orthodontics

Perhaps you didn’t have braces as an adolescent. Teeth that seemed straight when you were younger may have shifted. Maybe you’re experiencing jaw pain, or simply have a smile you’re unhappy with? All of these are reasons to consider adult orthodontic treatment. An imperfect smile goes beyond appearance. It can have a negative impact on your oral and total body health.

When teeth are crowded or overlapping, nooks and crannies create areas for tartar, plaque, and bacteria to camp out. This can cause cavities to develop more rapidly, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. A misaligned bite can cause headaches or neck and jaw pain. Poor tooth placement can also lead to speech impediments that strain the mouth and teeth, tiring muscles and resulting in soreness. Correcting how the upper and lower teeth fit together improves the odds of keeping your teeth long-term. 

What’s different about adult treatment?

The biggest difference for adults is that teeth are no longer growing. But, the process of moving teeth – using force placed on them over time – is the same, regardless of age. That’s why many problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children and teens. 

If you had previous treatment, but your teeth have shifted, there are multiple ways we can handle touch-ups. Providing new retainers and monitoring the teeth over time to see what they do may be one option. Or, re-treatment them using clear aligners or braces may produce the fastest, most effective results.

What treatment option is right for you?

Modern orthodontics has opened up a world of treatment options for adults. When you schedule a free consultation with us, we’ll perform an orthodontic evaluation and determine what treatment method will work best with your unique smile. Our practice is proud to offer the following treatment options: 

Invisalign clear aligners

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth, instead of brackets and wires. The aligners (trays) are made of a smooth plastic that won’t irritate gums. They’re customized to fit snugly (but comfortably) over your teeth. Because they’re removable, Invisalign aligners offer more freedom and flexibility than braces do. With Invisalign, treatment requires fewer in-person adjustments. That means we’re typically able to achieve results in fewer and less-frequent office visits than with traditional braces. 

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces have a proven track record of effectively treating cases that range from mild to complex. Thanks to a mix of high-quality metals, the brackets are very durable and long-lasting. Today’s braces deliver excellent results and are far more comfortable and attractive than previous designs. 

Clear braces

Clear braces are also referred to as ceramic braces. These function the same way metal braces do, however, they use semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. This allows them to blend in with your natural smile for a more subtle straightening option, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties.

Get the smile you’ve always wanted at Booth Orthodontics

There’s no age limit on achieving the beautiful smile you deserve. Life’s too short to live with a smile you don’t love, and Booth Orthodontics is here to help! Our practice has been providing high-quality care and exceptional results to patients of all ages for years, and our team has the skill and experience to give you a rewarding experience from start to finish. 

If you’re in or around Homer Glen and want to learn more about how adult orthodontic treatment can transform your smile, get in touch today. We’d love to schedule a free consultation for you and help you take the first step towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.