Braces in Greenville, NC
Braces for Teens and Adults at Ross Orthodontics
While we often think of braces as being a quintessential experience for many in their early teens, braces can help you reach the smile of your dreams at any age. Ross Orthodontics offers orthodontics for the whole family, from early pediatric treatment to later adult treatment. Dr. Ross is experienced in providing people of all ages with a comfortable, top-of-the-line braces experience.
Braces for Pre-Teens and Teens
Adolescence is the most common age for orthodontic treatment of any kind, particularly for braces. At this age, patients ideally have all their adult teeth. However, teens’ mouths are still growing, which usually makes the realignment of the teeth and jaws easier and quicker.
While the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children have their first visit to an orthodontist by age seven [link to Early Interceptive Treatment page], this initial consultation is usually for the purpose of planning a future treatment course. Full braces typically require that a patient have all their permanent teeth, but monitoring patients’ orthodontic health throughout their childhood is still important.
If your child is over the age of seven, or has even reached adolescence without orthodontic consultation, don’t fret– we adapt our approach to every unique case, and can help catch you up to speed on what treatments may or may not be necessary for the best possible outcome.
Braces for Adults
Many adults may not realize that they’re candidates for braces. We often associate braces with adolescence, since middle and high school age children are the most common recipients of treatment. While it’s true that having braces at a younger age can simplify the treatment process, adults absolutely can undergo braces treatment successfully. There are any number of concerns that can prevent adults from pursuing braces. You may be concerned about the cost of orthodontic treatment, for instance, or worried about the conspicuousness of braces. Maybe you’re afraid it’s too late for the smile you’ve always wanted.
No matter your case, Ross Orthodontics will make sure your treatment is both affordable and tailored to your unique needs for the highest success. It’s never too late to schedule a consultation, where we’ll put our experience with adult orthodontics to work for your smile. We offer a variety of braces and aligners, so your treatment can be as comfortable as possible and as discreet as you prefer. Take the first step for your orthodontic health and give us a call today. Adult braces are within your reach!
Types of Braces
Traditional Metal Braces
These braces are made of stainless steel brackets with an attached wire, held by rubber bands. Though these are the oldest type of braces offered, they still allow for a variety of options (we offer a wide range of band colors!) They are typically more affordable than other kinds of braces, and may be necessary in treating patients for whom clear aligners are insufficient.
Rhodium Braces
The stainless steel used in traditional metal braces is of an extremely high quality, and at Ross Orthodontics we provide only the highest-quality options to our patients. Still, you may have an aesthetic preference when it comes to your treatment. Brackets coated in rhodium offer a great compromise for those wanting metal braces with a more subtle appearance. Because the surface of these brackets is less reflective than standard braces, they draw less attention to treatment.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are the most subtle option when it comes to braces, as their brackets are made of a tooth-colored ceramic which blends in with your natural smile. Ceramic braces are also known as “clear” braces. Because ceramic braces are significantly less durable than their metal counterparts and require extra care, clear braces for adults are the most common option. However, clear braces for teens are also available, so your child can smile with confidence.
Iconix Braces
Another great option for those with aesthetic concerns about braces, Iconix braces are every bit as strong as traditional braces thanks to the same durable stainless steel used in their brackets. The difference comes with their champagne-gold color. Less obvious and, depending on your tastes, more elegant, Iconix braces are a great middle ground for those who want less prominent but equally strong braces.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Every case is different. For some, braces treatment can be a fairly straightforward experience that is completed in as little as a year or less. Some may only require braces on one arch, be it their top row of teeth or bottom. Others may require braces for multiple years, alongside the assistance of other devices, to treat more complicated issues. Length of treatment is also dependent on age and lifestyle, as well as whether a patient has undergone early Phase 1 treatment as a child. While age is not necessarily a determinant for treatment length, adult patients may require extra treatment time for ideal results.
On average, braces treatment takes around two years in total. You can keep your treatment time to a minimum by proper oral health and additional precautions. Just like those without braces, regular brushing and flossing is important. You may need to spend additional time maneuvering around the wire and avoiding damage to brackets, but you’ll soon get used to dental hygiene while wearing a permanent appliance. It’s also important to avoid many hard and sticky foods, like especially chewy candy, whole apples, popcorn, and ice. Your orthodontist will inform you of the necessary precautions during the course of your treatment.
