Many people associate the term orthodontics with teens in bulky metal braces, even though treatment can benefit patients of all ages. While it’s true that teens are a large part of most orthodontic practices, we also work with many children and adults. More adults than ever explore orthodontics to straighten their smiles and correct issues they’ve struggled with for years!
Currently, about 1 in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18. If you’re an adult who has struggled with the way your smile looks or functions, there’s never been a better time to schedule a free consultation with Thacker Orthodontics! Our expert team offers various affordable treatment options to correct crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more.
To learn more about what orthodontics is and how it can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, keep reading below!
What is orthodontics?
Under the umbrella of dentistry, orthodontics is a specialty within. An orthodontist is essentially a dentist who has also received several additional years of education and training in subjects such as:
- identifying and correcting bite abnormalities
- successfully straightening teeth
- correcting misaligned jaws
- and improving the overall function of the mouth.
An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Mary Evan Thacker and Dr. Jim Thacker learns to successfully diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial abnormalities. If left untreated over time, these issues can eventually lead to premature wear and tear on the teeth, gum tissue, and bone. This can often result in pain to your face and neck area, headaches, and even difficulties with chewing or speaking. Orthodontists can diagnose and treat these problems, improving both the appearance and overall function of your smile.
Why are more adults choosing orthodontic treatment?
Everyone has their reasons for considering orthodontic treatment. For many adults, this comes from a better understanding of how oral health is linked to overall health. This knowledge often encourages them to seek out dental or orthodontic treatment that will allow them to keep their teeth and gums clean, healthy, and fully functional.
We also encounter many adult patients who received incomplete orthodontic treatment earlier in life. They get in touch because they want to finish the process or start it from scratch again. Touch-up treatment is extremely common. Even when treatment is completed at a young age, the teeth can still shift over time because of age, genetics, or improper retainer use. In these cases, we have multiple treatment options, including monitoring your teeth, providing new retainers, or re-treating with braces or aligners.
Some adults have never had any treatment before and are only looking to improve how their smile looks. Studies have shown that a more attractive smile can boost a patient’s confidence and self-esteem and may even positively impact their personal and professional lives.
Whatever your reason for exploring orthodontic treatment, we’re happy to walk you through all the options we offer!
What treatment options are available for adult patients?
There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient. Modern techniques and innovative technology have made it easier than ever to achieve a total smile makeover! Here at Thacker Orthodontics, we offer the following treatment.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most popular and recognizable orthodontic appliance, with a proven track record of efficiency. Braces can successfully treat cases that range from mild to complex and have undergone quite a makeover in recent years! The brackets are made from high-quality stainless steel, and modern designs are more comfortable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing than ever before. The total treatment time is shorter than it used to be, although this will depend on your specific case.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
Invisalign is an exciting alternative to braces that uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth instead of brackets and bands. We also use our own in-house aligners that work the same way at a lower cost. These trays are made of a soft but strong thermoplastic resin and are customized to fit snugly over your teeth. They need to be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment and gently move the teeth into their optimal positions over time. Each aligner is replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks, depending on the treatment plan. This allows them to keep up with the shifting of your teeth.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are tooth-colored braces that blend in well with your natural smile. They work the same way metal braces do, but the brackets are made from nearly tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material. Many adults appreciate this option because they like the reliability of traditional braces without the more noticeable look of metal braces or the wear-time responsibility of clear aligners.
Any of these options can be an excellent fit for a busy adult! When it comes to recommending the best treatment for your unique smile, Dr. Mary Evan Thacker and Dr. Jim Thacker will always take your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals into account first.
The smile you’ve always wanted is waiting for you at Thacker Orthodontics
Here at Thacker Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing customized care and excellent customer service to all our patients. Every smile is unique, and we know that what works for one patient may not be suitable for another.
That’s why you’ll never encounter any cookie-cutter treatment plans at our practice! Dr. Mary Evan Thacker and Dr. Jim Thacker are experienced orthodontists who will create a customized treatment plan based on your particular needs. Our goal is to provide you with a rewarding orthodontic experience and superior results that you’ll want to share with the world!
Dr. Mary Evan Thacker and Dr. Jim Thacker have created over 5,000 beautiful smiles for patients of all ages in Cincinnati, Hillsboro, and the surrounding communities, and would love to do the same for you. We have a talented team dedicated to serving our community’s orthodontic needs, and that begins with a free consultation with Dr. Mary Evan Thacker and Dr. Jim Thacker. If you’d like to learn more about how orthodontics can improve your smile, get in touch today, and we’ll be happy to get you started!