Did you know that nearly one in three patients at Hunter Family Orthodontics is an adult? Some of them have spent a lifetime feeling uncomfortable with the way their teeth look and feel, and many worry that it’s too late to achieve a healthier smile.
Here at Hunter Family Orthodontics, we’re proud to create beautiful smiles for patients of all ages in The Woodlands and surrounding areas. If you’ve spent years of your life feeling unhappy with how your teeth look or function, we’ve got good news—you’re never too old to achieve a healthier smile! To learn more about the customized orthodontic care available in adulthood, keep reading below.
Why is orthodontics becoming more popular with adults?
Most of our adolescent patients undergo orthodontic treatment because their parents have chosen it for them after consulting with Dr. Hunter. Younger patients are certainly able to understand the importance of treatment—and are thrilled with the final results!— but the truth is that adults will often have a better understanding of how a healthier smile can positively impact their lives.
Adults also tend to be more aware of the ways our oral health can improve our total body health. This may lead them to seek out dental or orthodontic treatment that will keep their teeth and gums in the best possible shape! As an adult patient, you’ll be able to truly grasp what orthodontic treatment is: an investment of your time and finances that will pay off in a big way with a beautiful smile, improved health, and increased self-confidence.
What are the benefits of adult orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can give you straighter teeth, but the benefits don’t stop there! Crooked or crowded teeth can make it difficult 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 help reduce or eliminate these symptoms, and braces and aligners can protect you from serious oral health problems in the future! This can mean serious financial savings, which is something that anyone can get excited about!
On the topic of budgets…
There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient! Achieving a confident smile is more affordable than ever, thanks to a variety of affordable treatment options. Hunter Family Orthodontics has payment options to suit every budget, including interest-free installment plans and those with a more conventional fee structure. Multiple family discounts may also apply.
For your convenience, we accept most credit and debit cards. We can even set monthly auto payments up from your bank! If you have a Flexible or Health Savings Account or insurance coverage, we’ll be sure to take this into account as well. And don’t worry— we’ll ensure you understand every fee included in your treatment plan before we move forward with fitting you for braces or aligners.
What are my treatment options as an adult patient?
Not so long ago, there weren’t many choices for anyone looking to improve their smile. Now we have multiple ways to align the teeth and jaws! Our practice is proud to offer the following treatment options for a complete smile transformation.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance for a reason—they have a proven track record of successfully correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues.
Though they’ve been around for a long time now, braces have undergone a major makeover in recent years. They’re far more comfortable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing than previous designs were! Metal braces are one of our most cost-effective options, and can be particularly useful in cases that are complex or severe.
Clear braces
Sometimes called ceramic braces, these function in the same way metal braces do but come with the added benefit of nearly invisible brackets. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored bands, they’re an incredibly subtle way to straighten the teeth! Because they’re far less visible than their metal counterparts, clear braces are popular with image-conscious teens and adults.
The ceramic brackets are slightly larger and a bit more brittle than the metal ones, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth.
Invisalign
There are no brackets and wires required to move the teeth with this innovative system! Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to help patients achieve a healthier smile. These customized aligners are completely removable, offering patients an extra measure of freedom and flexibility they 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. They’re also designed to be switched out with the next aligner in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movement of the teeth. When worn as directed, Invisalign can be just as efficient as braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.
Get the smile you deserve with Hunter Family Orthodontics
Every treatment option will have its own list of pros and cons, and not every treatment will be suitable for all patients. Working with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Hunter guarantees you’ll receive only the most appropriate treatment for your unique smile!
If you’ve been waiting a lifetime to take the first step towards a healthier smile, the last thing you want is cookie-cutter treatment. Dr. Hunter uses an individualized approach to orthodontic care, building a treatment plan that’s based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Our goal is to give you a rewarding and stress-free experience, from your first visit to your last. We want you to feel right at home from the moment you walk through our door, and work hard to provide patients with a warm and welcoming environment.
Are you ready to get started on the confident smile you deserve? Get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Hunter!