Although we normally think of children and teens when discussing braces, they aren’t the only ones who can benefit from orthodontics! Adult braces and other orthodontic treatments are becoming very common, with adults making up about 25% of current orthodontic patients. Dillehay Orthodontics wants you to know that it’s never too late to correct crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw position, or jaw disorders.
Have you considered having your teeth straightened but feel like you’re too old? Are you unhappy with your smile but don’t know if braces are for you? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, take a look at this helpful FAQ our team has put together on adult orthodontics and learn a little more about what Dillehay Orthodontics has to offer our adult patients!
First things first: what is orthodontics, exactly? What do orthodontists do?
Orthodontics focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental problems. If left untreated, many of these problems can worsen. They may contribute to abnormal wear on the tooth surfaces, affect chewing function, or cause excess stress on the gum tissue and bone which can result in headaches or pain in the face or the neck.
Orthodontics specialists, like Dr. Ken and Dr. JK Dillehay, are fully qualified dentists who have also completed years of highly specialized training in identifying and correcting bite corrections. It’s important to choose the proper dental specialist to diagnose and treat your orthodontic issues.
So what should you expect from your orthodontist?
Diligent orthodontists, like our orthodontists here at Dillehay, will always take note of your concerns, and outline all the treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. They will also go into some detail about the different types of braces available to you, along with an estimate of how long the treatment will take. They will also explain any other procedures required for treatment, the stability of the final result, and give you a written treatment plan and fee estimate where appropriate.
What will happen at your first appointment?
Your initial consultation with Dillehay Orthodontics will give you the opportunity to meet our team, learn more about orthodontics, receive a complete initial exam, and find out which treatment options will best meet your needs. During your initial consultation, we will:
- Review your dental and medical history forms
- Provide a complete oral exam to determine whether treatment is necessary
- Help you create a customized treatment plan
- Discuss all financial information, insurance options, and payment plans
Our team will also be glad to answer any questions you may have, and will happily provide all the information you need to determine which treatment is right for you.
What types of braces are available these days?
There’s now a wide choice of braces options for patients of all ages, including:
- Traditional metal braces – these are the most common braces. Made of high-quality stainless steel, modern metal braces are more comfortable and lighter weight than they used to be.
- Ceramic braces – these function in much the same way traditional braces do, but they come in a white or tooth-colored ceramic material, making them less conspicuous than metal brackets.
- Lingual braces – again, these are similar to metal braces, but they’re placed out of sight on the back of the teeth, for an almost invisible straightening experience.
- Invisalign aligners – these removable clear plastic trays are custom-made and fit over your teeth to gently move them to the desired position over time.
Each option has its pros and cons, and not every treatment will be suitable for all patients. For example, Invisalign is often not an option for a patient who has severe dental issues. An experienced orthodontist will work with you to find the treatment that helps you feel your best while also providing the very best results for your specific case.
How long does treatment normally last?
The time required to correct any particular orthodontic problem varies with the severity of the problem. Average treatment time tends to be anywhere from 24 months to 36 months, but could be longer or shorter. While Dillehay Orthodontics can’t give you a concrete answer to this question, rest assured we will only recommend the treatment we think best fits your smile!
How often will I need to see the orthodontist?
Visiting Dillehay Orthodontics about every six to eight weeks will be an important part of your orthodontic treatment. Our friendly and dedicated team will always work with you to ensure your appointments are as convenient as possible. When making your appointments, just let us know what days and times work best for you, and we’ll do all we can to schedule you during that time.
Why choose Dillehay Orthodontics for your adult orthodontic needs?
As a practice, our greatest goal is to give you the healthy, straight, beautiful smile that you’ve always wanted. We know that choosing to receive orthodontic care is a big decision, and we respect your reasons for wanting to improve the way you look and feel. Our experienced orthodontists and team will work with you every step of the way to make sure that your experience with us is as rewarding as possible.
Dillehay Orthodontics also utilizes the latest technology in orthodontics, and we’re proud to offer a variety of safe and gentle treatment options to give you the customized, individual care you deserve. We serve the Wichita, Derby, Pratt, and Arkansas City areas, providing five-star service to all our patients, from children to adults. If you’re an adult in the Wichita area seeking more information on braces treatment, get in touch with us today to find out all we have to offer you. We look forward to helping you discover your very best smile!