Adult Orthodontics

Bright, Healthy Smiles Have No Age Limit

At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe getting the smile you’ve always wanted is always within reach–no matter how old you are. Braces and clear aligners aren’t just for kids and teenagers. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists reports that 1 in 3 orthodontic patients are adults. From improving your self-esteem with straighter teeth to resolving a dental issue, adult orthodontics may be for you! Don’t wait—experience the transformation of your smile today with adult orthodontics.

smiling adult orthodontics patient

Why You May Need Adult Orthodontics

There are several reasons why adults decide to pursue orthodontic treatment. One main focus is improving the appearance of their smile with beautifully straight teeth. Our team is highly trained and experienced at addressing a variety of orthodontic concerns from simple cases like minor teeth adjustment to complex bite issues and TMJ disorders. Our goal with adult orthodontics is to use treatments like braces or clear aligners to improve your facial symmetry and renew dental harmony.

Here are some additional possibilities for beginning orthodontic treatment as an adult:

  • Correct functional problems: Having crooked or misaligned teeth can make it difficult to chew or speak properly.
  • Alleviate jaw pain: Our orthodontic experts know how to treat TMJ/TMD-related issues, so you can live your life pain-free!
  • Long-term oral health benefits: Straighter teeth are easier to clean and therefore help reduce the risk of gum disease and wear on your teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment Options For Adults

At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of the latest technologies in the field of orthodontics. In today’s world, adults now have access to more discreet, more comfortable and more convenient options to make your experience the absolute best. Here are the treatments we offer with adult orthodontics:

Traditional Braces

Braces have come a long way, with recent advancements making them more comfortable and convenient. Our traditional metal braces offer adults an effective treatment for straightening their teeth and providing better function and overall good oral health. We also proudly offer ceramic braces for our adult patients looking for a more discreet treatment option without compromising efficiency.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are the latest innovation in orthodontics to straighten teeth and fix a variety of misalignment cases. At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we work with Spark Clear Aligners. These clear, removable trays are made from TruGEN™ material, allowing our patients to enjoy increased comfort. They are also clearer and more stain resistant than other leading aligner therapies.

How Adult Orthodontics Compares To Teen Orthodontics

adult woman with braces

The process of achieving a straighter, healthier smile still fundamentally applies to both adults and teenagers. However, there are some varying aspects in the treatment approach when it comes to adult orthodontics. One of the main components is that teenagers are still growing whereas adults are fully developed. Here are some additional factors between these age groups:

Teens’ jaws and bones are still growing, making it easier to guide their teeth into proper alignment, whereas adult bones have stopped growing. This can make tooth movement slower for adults and may require more complex treatment plans.

Adults may have pre-existing dental conditions like gum disease or tooth wear, which will need to be managed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.

Teens may experience slightly faster treatment times due to the ongoing development of their jaws and teeth, whereas treatment for adults may take a little longer since tooth movement is generally slower.

Teens may require more supervision and reminders to stay on track with their treatment. Adults, on the other hand, are typically more compliant and motivated to follow our orthodontist’s instructions.

Begin Your Next Chapter With A Smile You’ll Love

Take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted by scheduling a complimentary consultation at Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Our experienced team understands the unique needs of adult patients and offers a range of discreet and effective orthodontic solutions tailored to fit your lifestyle. Contact us today to book your free consultation and discover how we can help you achieve your desired results with adult orthodontics.

Helping Richmond Smile

Comprehensive Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care

At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we strive to deliver radiant, healthy smiles to families across Richmond, VA. Our kind and caring team is committed to providing professional, high quality service in an environment that is relaxing and fun. Our goal is to make your dental and orthodontic journey with us an amazing experience. Get started today!