Adults wonder if orthodontic treatment is still worth it after years of having crooked or mismatched teeth. At Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry we love to see patients who have finally decided to deal with the problems that have been bothering them for years. To find out if you need braces you need to look at both your health and your personal preferences. We treat each case individually because everyone has different goals and situations they bring to the table. We care about your reasons for wanting treatment no matter how old you are.
Without treatment bite problems can get worse or get worse over time. When you close your mouth if your teeth don’t fit together right it can put a lot of stress on your jaw joints and facial muscles. Some people have clicking sounds, pain when they chew or constant tension headaches that are related to misalignment. These signs show that your teeth aren’t working properly but orthodontic treatment can fix that. Fixing how your teeth fit together lessens stress on your jaw and often gets rid of pain you thought was normal. We look at these functional aspects during your evaluation to see if treatment would help your health in ways other than just making you look better.
Teeth move around on their own over a person’s life for many reasons. Changes in alignment can happen because of wisdom teeth moving forward, grinding habits or just the passage of time. Adults who had straight teeth as kids may find that their teeth are getting crowded or spaced out as they get older. This movement makes it harder to clean which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Your toothbrush and floss can’t reach all surfaces well when your teeth are twisted or overlapping. These hidden areas are where bacteria builds up which causes decay and irritation. Straightening your teeth makes it much easier to keep your mouth clean and protects your teeth for years to come.
Adults have this problem: their previous orthodontic work didn’t hold. You may have worn braces as a teenager but stopped wearing retainers once your treatment was done. Over time or years your teeth slowly shifted back to where they were before. Patients who spent time and money on treatment before are disappointed by this relapse. The good news is that fixing teeth that have moved takes less time than the first treatment. We help folks in Lake Forest, IL get back the straight smile they used to have. We can make better plans for keeping people in the future if we know what went wrong the first time.
Concerns about your smile can make you feel less confident in more ways than just how you look in pictures. Adults tell us they don’t want to smile big during job interviews, presentations or social events. Some people hide their mouth when they laugh or avoid talking to others up close because they are embarrassed about their teeth. These behaviors take a long time to form usually because you don’t like how you look. By addressing alignment issues you can get rid of this barrier and interact with people more easily. Feeling good about your smile can help you in your career and in your personal life in big ways.
Modern orthodontic procedures have solutions that are less noticeable and work better with adult lifestyles than traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are a solution to straighten teeth that is practically undetectable and doesn’t draw attention to your treatment. You can eat regularly and keep up with your normal dental hygiene practice with these trays that come off. You can also choose tooth-colored ceramic braces or systems that go below your teeth so no one else can see them. You can learn about all the options available today by reading All About Braces. We explain how each method works and help you choose one that fits your daily routine and comfort level.
Adults sometimes don’t get orthodontic care because they are worried about how they will look. You may be worried that having braces that are easy to see will make you look less trustworthy in meetings with clients or as a leader. The several types of treatment available now address these concerns. A lot of the time our adult patients finish their treatment without anyone else knowing they are wearing braces. We help you choose solutions that keep you looking professional the whole time.
When we schedule orthodontic treatment, we need to consider health problems that only adults have. During your first visit we go over your entire medical history and the medications you are currently taking. Some systemic illnesses or medications can affect bone health or the healing process. Most people get treatment without any issues, but we can adjust our approach when we need to by recognizing special conditions. This thorough checkup ensures you are safe and that your treatment plan will work.
A lot of adults thinking about getting orthodontic work are worried about how long it will take. You have work to do, family to take care of and your schedule isn’t that flexible. The good news is that adult treatment goes well since you can follow directions and show up for appointments on time. We schedule visits at times that are convenient for you and don’t get in the way of your work. Most adjustment appointments are 20-30 minutes. The length of treatment varies on what needs to be fixed but most adult cases are done in 12-18 months.
Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry makes sure adults never feel out of place. You won’t be the only adult in the waiting room who is wondering if they made the right decision. A lot of adults have come to us because they finally decided that now is the time to invest in their smile. Our staff knows what adults are worried about when they go to the orthodontist and treats them with care and respect. We honor everyone who makes their dental health and confidence a top priority.
Adults who are in charge of their own household budgets and competing expenses have to think about money more. We talk openly about prices and look at payment plans that fit your budget. Many employer-provided dental insurance policies include braces for adults as well as kids. We take care of the paperwork for your insurance and help you get the most coverage possible. Flexible payment plans let you pay for your treatment over time so you can get good care without having to pay a lot of money upfront.
In the end, the decision to get braces comes down to comparing your current state to what treatment can do. If you have jaw problems, pain, too much tooth wear or trouble biting, these are obvious health reasons to get orthodontic treatment. People who are worried about how their teeth look, like crooked or gapped teeth, have just as good reasons to want to fix them. We never minimize how important it is to be happy with how you look. Your smile can make you more or less confident and willing to put yourself out there in both your personal and professional life.
When you come to our Lake Forest IL office for a consultation we’ll help you determine if orthodontic treatment is right for you. We look at your teeth and bite, talk about what bothers you the most and explain what can be done. There is no pressure to make a decision that day. You get honest information so you can feel good about your decision to move forward. Adults like how direct we are and how we answer their questions fully. We are here to help you when you are ready to start your journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile whether you want to move forward now or take some time to think about your options.