Rockwall
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More adults than ever are choosing to improve their oral health with orthodontics, thanks in part to an ever-increasing range of affordable and low-profile treatment options that fit their lifestyles. While the largest percentage of our orthodontic patients are teenagers, we have more and more adults visiting us every day!
If you’ve spent years feeling unhappy with how your teeth look, feel, or function, we’ve got good news—you’re never too old to achieve a healthier and more confident smile! In fact, nearly one in four patients here at Shaw Orthodontics are adults! To learn more about the customized orthodontic care available to adults, keep reading below.
Why are more adults than ever choosing orthodontic treatment?
Most of our younger patients at Shaw Orthodontics start treatment because their parents have chosen it for them after consulting with Dr. Shaw. While younger patients certainly understand the importance of treatment and are thrilled with their final results, the truth is that adults generally have a better understanding of how a healthier smile will positively impact their lives as a whole.
Adults also tend to be more aware of the ways that good oral health can benefit their total body health. This leads many of them to seek out dental or orthodontic treatment that will keep their teeth and gums in great 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 reward you with a beautiful smile, improved health, and increased self-confidence.
Using orthodontics to improve your oral health
Orthodontic treatment is incredibly effective at straightening teeth, but the benefits don’t stop at a straight smile! Crooked or crowded teeth can interfere with brushing and flossing, 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 soreness, and pain in the face and neck.
Orthodontic treatment will help reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Not only that but braces and aligners can protect you from developing serious oral health problems in the future! This can mean big-time financial savings down the line, in addition to a smile that will look great and feel great for years to come.
Treatment options for every lifestyle
Not so long ago, methods for improving your smile were pretty limited. Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, we now have multiple ways to align your teeth and jaws! Our Rockwall and Watauga practices are proud to offer the following treatment options for a complete smile transformation:
Invisalign
With this innovative system, no brackets or wires are required to move your teeth! Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear, comfortable aligners to help you achieve a healthier smile. These customized plastic aligners are completely removable, offering an extra measure of freedom and flexibility that you’ll love.
Patient compliance is an essential part of Invisalign treatment—the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the orthodontic process as directed by Dr. Shaw. 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 is just as efficient as braces at treating the most common orthodontic issues.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance throughout Watauga and Rockwall for a reason—they have a proven track record of successfully correcting a variety of orthodontic issues.
Although they’ve been around for a long time, braces have undergone a major makeover in recent years to become far more comfortable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing than ever before! 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, clear braces work just like metal braces but come with clear, 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 traditional metal braces, clear braces are popular with image-conscious teens and adults. Ceramic brackets are slightly larger and a bit more brittle than metal brackets, so Dr. Shaw tends to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth.
Get the best treatment for your smile with Shaw Orthodontics
Every treatment option has its own list of pros and cons, and not every treatment will be suitable for every patient, but working with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Shaw guarantees you’ll receive the best treatment for your unique smile! Dr. Shaw and our team creates personalized treatment plans for each patient 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 we work hard to provide 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 at our convenient offices in Rockwall and Watauga!