Here at Central Mass Orthodontics, we’re proud to create beautiful smiles for patients of all ages. While teens make up a significant percentage of the patients we see, we also work with many children and adults. In fact, adults are one of the fastest-growing patient groups we’re seeing in orthodontics! About 25% of all current orthodontic patients are over the age of 18, yet we still hear from adults every day who worry that it’s too late to transform their smile. If this sounds like you, we’ve got good news—there’s no age limit on improving your oral health!
Even if you’ve spent a lifetime feeling unhappy with your teeth, you no longer have to settle for a smile you don’t love. Dr. Giarrusso and Dr. Livanos are board-certified orthodontists with the expertise needed to align your bite and give you the confident smile you deserve! Keep reading below to learn more about how adult treatment works and the exciting options we have available in our Worcester, Auburn, and Spencer locations.
What led to the increase in adult orthodontic patients?
There are several reasons for adults to explore their orthodontic options, including a desire to improve their overall health by correcting any issues with their oral health. Most of us tend to become more aware of how these two things are connected as we get older. As a teen or young adult, we don’t always understand how neglecting our teeth and gums can affect our whole body. Once we make that connection, we’re more likely to seek dental and orthodontic care to help us maintain a healthy smile.
Some adults began the orthodontic process in their teens but never completed it, while others finished but failed to wear their retainer regularly. In each scenario, the patient’s teeth may have drifted back towards their original positions over time. They may wish to complete their interrupted orthodontic journey, while some might need to repeat the whole process from start to finish.
Then there are the adults who are simply looking to achieve the cosmetic appearance of their smile! Correcting crooked teeth and other misalignments will not only improve how your smile looks, it can also help reduce or eliminate any associated symptoms like headaches and jaw pain. Feeling confident in your smile can also give your social and professional life a boost.
Your consultation with CMOA
We pack a lot into your first visit with us! This is our chance to meet and get to know each other, plus discuss any concerns you have about your smile. During your consultation, our team will go over:
- any oral issues you’re experiencing
- whether or not treatment is needed immediately
- what treatment options are available to correct the problem
- an estimate of how long we expect your treatment to take
- the total investment required for treatment
- any payment or financing options we have available to you
Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with your doctor, we’ll talk you through everything included in the process. We’ll ensure you understand exactly what your treatment plan includes before we begin, so you never have to worry about hidden fees here! We’re committed to providing you with exceptional care that’s effective and affordable.
What treatment options are available for adult patients?
CMOA is proud to offer patients the following treatments for an orthodontic experience that is comfortable and customizable.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance and come with a proven track record of success. They efficiently treat a variety of orthodontic issues and can be particularly useful in cases that are more severe or complex. While braces have been around for a long time, they have undergone some impressive changes in recent years. Modern metal braces are lighter, sleeker, and more comfortable than previous models. They’re more fun, too! Patients can add a pop of color with our range of brightly colored elastics, or choose clear or tooth-colored bands for a more discrete look.
Clear braces
Clear braces function the same way metal braces do, but they come with the added benefit of clear brackets. This offers an incredibly subtle way to straighten teeth, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics. The ceramic brackets we use with clear braces are slightly larger and a bit more brittle than metal brackets, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth. Since they’re much less visible than metal brackets, clear braces are especially popular with our teen and adult patients!
Invisalign clear aligners
Instead of brackets, wires, and bands, the innovative Invisalign system uses a series of customized clear aligners to shift the teeth over time. The aligners are designed to be removed when a patient is eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing their teeth. This gives the system an extra measure of flexibility that our adult patients love!
Patient compliance is an essential part of treatment with Invisalign. The aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the orthodontic process to successfully straighten smiles. Patients are also responsible for switching each aligner out with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements their teeth are making. When worn as directed, Invisalign can be just as efficient as braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.
Get a confident smile you love with Central Mass Orthodontics
Here at CMOA, we know that every smile is unique. What works well for one patient may not be a good fit for another. Working with an experienced orthodontist will guarantee you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs—you’ll never find any “one size fits all” solutions here!
Don’t wait another day to take the first step towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted! Get in touch today to schedule a consultation with our talented team and learn more about our orthodontic transformations.