ADULT ORTHODONTICS
It is never too late to enjoy your perfect smile!
Did you know that 1 in 4 orthodontic patients are adults? Crooked teeth and a misaligned bite can lead to gum recession, bone loss, tooth decay, tooth wear, difficulty chewing, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain. Luckily, teeth can be straightened at ANY age. With adult orthodontic treatment, you can improve your tooth alignment and bite to reduce the risk of developing these dental problems.
Our orthodontist, Dr. Godley, will work with you to achieve your smile goals. Whether the focus is on improving your smile, giving you a functional bite, or preventing future dental problems, our orthodontist will evaluate your smile and map out a plan that focuses on your goals.
With modern and esthetic options such as clear aligners, clear braces, and hidden lingual braces, you are sure to find one that easily fits into your lifestyle. During your complimentary consultation, our orthodontist can provide a smile evaluation and offer solutions to fit your budget, lifestyle, and needs.
Full treatment isn't right for everyone - and that's okay.
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age
It is a common misconception that orthodontic treatment is only for children and teens. Teeth naturally continue to shift into adulthood, which can result in crooked teeth, misalignment of the bite, poor tooth angulation, or other side effects. Whether you are unhappy with your smile or bite for cosmetic or health reasons, it is never too late to seek improvement.
OPTIONS FOR ADULTS
Comfortable, esthetic options
Orthodontic treatment is a viable option for almost any adult. Advances in technology have made treatment more comfortable and less noticeable than ever. Many of today's modern treatment options are designed to minimize the appearance of appliances to better fit your lifestyle.
Classic braces
Splint therapy
How is adult orthodontics different from child orthodontics?
The biggest difference in orthodontics for adults versus children/teens is that adults are no longer growing. Adult treatment may take slightly longer due to maturity and density of the bone. Some medications and habits, such as clenching/grinding or tongue thrusting, can affect the outcomes of treatment.
It is common for orthodontists to work alongside a patient's dentist and sometimes other specialists to coordinate care.
Common Orthodontic Problems in Adults
Crowding
Overcrowding can occur when the size or number of teeth are larger than the bone supporting them, resulting in overlapping.
Overbite
An overbite is excessive overlap of upper and lower front teeth vertically. This is also called a deep bite.
Underbite
An underbite is when the lower front teeth or jaw sit ahead/forward of the upper front teeth or jaw. This is also called a class III malocclusion.
Protrusion
Protruding teeth, or excessive overjet, refers to teeth that stick out further than ideal. This can occur in both arches, or just the upper.
Jaw Pain
There are several causes of jaw pain, including a misaligned bite, habits, stress, trauma, and neuralgia.
Open Bite
An open bite is a malocclusion in which teeth do not make contact with each other.
Toothwear
Although all teeth can wear down over time, misaligned teeth wear unevenly and more quickly than those in an ideal position.
Crossbite
Although all teeth can wear down over time, misaligned teeth wear unevenly and more quickly than those in an ideal position.
Misaligned Bite
A misaligned bite, or malocclusion, occurs when upper teeth do not ideally align with lower teeth. These are classified as Class I, Class II, or Class III.