Here at Booth Orthodontics, we’re proud to create beautifully aligned smiles for patients of all ages. And we mean all ages! While teens still make up a large percentage of orthodontic patients, we’re seeing younger children and adults close that gap every day. The increase in adult patients is particularly impressive—with one in three patients over the age of 18, this demographic has reached an all-time high! We’ve put together your guide to adult orthodontic treatment so that you can feel confident in transforming your smile.

Many adults in Homer Glen and the surrounding communities wonder about the benefits that orthodontic treatment can have for their smiles. Keep reading to learn more about adult orthodontic treatment with Dr. Ryan Booth and how it could transform your smile!

What’s causing the dramatic increase in adult orthodontic patients? 

The American Association of Orthodontists was as curious about this uptick in adult orthodontic patients as we are, so they surveyed on the topic. Adult patients were asked what was driving their desire for orthodontic treatment, and it turns out there are quite a few factors involved in this trend! Let’s take a closer look at those reasons.

A desire for improved oral health

It’s common knowledge that orthodontic treatment can improve the cosmetic appearance of nearly any smile, but the benefits are more than skin deep! Crooked or crowded teeth can make it a challenge to brush and floss effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Misalignment can also cause excess wear on the teeth and enamel, which may lead to chronic headaches, jaw aches, and pain in the face and neck. 

Orthodontic treatment can reduce or eliminate these symptoms, while also helping to protect you from serious oral health problems in the future. This can result in serious long-term financial savings, which tend to be greatly appreciated by adult patients who have a budget to balance! 

Awareness of the importance of a healthy smile

Most younger patients undergo orthodontic treatment because their parents have decided they should. While younger patients can certainly understand the importance of treatment—and often love the final results—adults typically have a better understanding of how a healthier smile can positively impact their lives. 

We also tend to learn more about the many ways our oral health is connected to our total body health as we get older. This leads some Homer Glen adults to seek out an orthodontist to help keep their teeth and gums in the best possible shape. Finally, adults are more capable of grasping what orthodontic treatment is: an investment of your time and finances that will pay off in a big way through improved oral health and increased self-confidence.

More affordable treatment options

It’s easier than ever to achieve a confident new smile, with a range of affordable treatment options to choose from. Dr. Booth offers a variety of payment options to fit every budget! During your consultation, we’ll outline all the fees associated with your treatment plan and ensure you understand each one before moving forward with fitting you for braces or aligners. 

A variety of treatment options are now available

Not so many years ago, metal braces were the only option for anyone looking to improve their smile. Today, there are multiple ways to align the teeth and jaws! At Booth Orthodontics, we offer many options for a complete smile makeover, including:

Metal Braces 

Traditional metal braces are what most people think of when they’re considering straightening their smiles. Today’s brackets are much smaller and no longer wrap around the entire tooth and thinner archwires are used to move the teeth with more comfort and speed. You can even put a pop of personality into your treatment journey by choosing fun colors for your elastic bands! Metal braces are also the most economical treatment option and ideal for patients with more serious or complex cases. 

Clear Braces

Clear braces are the same shape and size as metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets to blend in better with your teeth. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics, they provide a very subtle way to straighten your teeth! While the ceramic brackets are durable, they are more prone to breakage than metal brackets and can be slightly more expensive. For this reason, our doctors usually only recommend them for our teen and adult patients in Homer Glen. 

Invisalign clear aligners

Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to move the teeth. These are made from thermoplastic material and customized to fit over your teeth firmly but comfortably. Because they’re removable, they provide adult patients at Booth Orthodontics with a bit more freedom and flexibility than braces, and allow you to brush, floss, and eat as you normally would. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate cases of the most common orthodontic issues and can be just as effective as braces when worn as directed by your orthodontist.

Get the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve with Booth Orthodontics

Like everything in life, every treatment option comes with a list of pros and cons. Once you’ve read your guide to adult orthodontic treatment you’ll have more information to make the right choice for your smile. However, not every method will be suitable for all patients, which is why it’s so important to work with an experienced orthodontist! When you trust Dr. Ryan with your orthodontic needs, you’re guaranteed to receive only the most suitable treatment for your unique smile. 

If you’ve spent a lifetime waiting to take the first step towards a healthier smile, the last thing you want is a one-size-fits-all treatment. Your orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan for your unique smile. He’ll build a plan for you that’s based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. This will give you the most optimal results in the shortest amount of time possible!

It’s never too late to get the confident smile you deserve. If you’re ready to see how orthodontics can transform your teeth, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with the experts at Booth Orthodontics. We can’t wait to see you smile!