1224 McFarland Blvd. NE Tuscaloosa, AL. 35406
205-750-0081
If you’re like most people, when you think of orthodontic treatment, you imagine a teenager in metal braces. Unfortunately, this is an image that has some staying power! Because of this, you may not even know that treatment can benefit patients of all ages, including adults! While it’s true that many of our patients are teens, the number of adult patients we see at Cowan Orthodontics has drastically increased in recent years. In fact, about 1 in every 5 orthodontic patients in the country is over the age of 18!
If you’ve been unhappy or self-conscious about your smile or how your teeth look and function, now is a great time to begin improving your oral health. The truth is, you’re never too old to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile! Cowan Orthodontics is proud to offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options to correct any number of oral health issues. This includes:
Let’s take a deeper look into what orthodontics really is and how the team at Cowan Orthodontics can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of!
Orthodontics is a specialty field under dentistry. An orthodontist is a dentist who has gone through years of additional education and training in order to identify and treat bite abnormalities. They also learn how to successfully straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaws, and improve the overall function of the mouth.
An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Glen Cowan is able to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral and facial abnormalities. When these conditions are left untreated, they can get worse over time, leading to premature wear and tear on the teeth, gums, and bone. This can eventually result in pain in the face and neck, headaches, and even difficulty with chewing or speaking.
Orthodontists are able to diagnose and treat these types of issues, improving both the function and appearance of your smile.
There are many reasons we’ve seen more adults seeking out orthodontic treatment. As we get older, it’s common to learn more and understand how oral health is related to our overall body health. Some people are encouraged to pursue dental or orthodontic treatment that will help them achieve a healthy, beautiful smile and better care for their teeth and gums.
We also see many adult patients who received orthodontic treatment as children or teenagers that was never completed, and now they want to finish the process. Another aspect of that is touch-up treatment. This is common since teeth that were straightened in a patient’s younger years may shift over time due to age, genetics, or improper retainer use. In these cases, we have multiple options, including monitoring the teeth, providing new retainers, or re-treating with braces or aligners.
Finally, there are many adults who have never had orthodontic treatment before and are simply looking to improve the cosmetic appearance of their smile. This can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence and may even have a positive impact on their personal and professional lives!
Whatever your reason is for seeking out orthodontic treatment as an adult, there are more options to choose from than ever before! Cowan Orthodontics offers the following treatments for your orthodontic journey.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple and understandably so! Braces are one of our most efficient treatments, particularly for more severe or complicated cases. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design have made them much more comfortable than previous versions. The total treatment time also tends to be shorter than it used to be.
Ceramic braces
These function in much the same way traditional braces do but use ceramic brackets rather than metal ones. The brackets can be clear, white, or tooth-colored, and for an even more subtle treatment option, can be used with elastics or ties that are also clear, white, or tooth-colored. Ceramic braces can be a great choice for patients who want a less-noticeable way to straighten their smile. However, because they are more delicate than metal braces, we generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
Instead of brackets and bands, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, customized, removable aligners. These are custom-designed to fit snugly over the teeth, and gently move them into the desired positions over time. Aligners are made of a soft but strong thermoplastic resin and are replaced with the next aligner in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the gradual shifting teeth.
All three of these options can be a great fit for busy adults! You can trust that Dr. Cowan will only recommend the treatment he feels will work best with your smile, lifestyle, and goals.
There’s no “one size fits all” treatment here at Cowan Orthodontics! Each smile is unique, and we know that some treatment methods will be more suitable than others based upon the individual’s needs. This is why it’s so important to choose an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Cowan! He will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your specific needs, giving you everything you need for a rewarding orthodontic experience and long-lasting results.
At Cowan Orthodontics, we have a gifted team that’s dedicated to providing patients with the latest in orthodontic technique and technology. If you’re ready to take the first step towards the smile you’ve been waiting for, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Cowan!
May 19, 2020
July 31, 2020
