Cosmetic Orthodontics for Teens and Adults
Orthodontic treatment is an important part of overall health for adults and teens. It improves your oral health, as well as your emotional wellbeing. A beautiful smile can transform the way you feel about yourself. This can have lasting effects on your confidence and how you present yourself to the world.
But nowadays braces are seen as a symbol of youth. They're used as a pop culture reference to portray those awkward teen years that nobody wants to look back on. Or, they're used to make adult actors appear younger in "flashback" scenes in movies or television.
The result? Metal braces and appliances are hardly appealing for today's teenagers and adults.
Fortunately, orthodontic treatment is not just for kids anymore.
Advancements in cosmetic orthodontic care have made treatment more discreet, making straightening your teeth more appealing for both adults and teens.
With an increased focus on aesthetics and straight teeth in professional and social settings, it's important to look and feel your best. But that doesn't mean you have to be stuck with bulky metal braces for months on end.
Now you can feel confident you’re putting your best face forward, without drawing attention to unsightly appliances.
Why Seek Orthodontic Treatment?
A healthy smile is about much more than fixing crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment helps to:
- Ensure proper function of your teeth;
- Position teeth for optimal hygiene;
- Address jaw and bite issues caused by overbites, overcrowding, and other common issues;
- Treat misalignment of teeth to avoid wearing of tooth enamel (which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures);
- Boost confidence.
What is Cosmetic Orthodontics?
Like traditional orthodontics, cosmetic orthodontics addresses the health and alignment of your teeth. But cosmetic orthodontics differs in how it achieves results.
Cosmetic orthodontics offers treatment options that are more discreet than traditional options. The goal is achieve your idea of a beautiful smile, while drawing as little attention to your treatment as possible.
Depending on your budget and your aesthetic priorities, you have the option between a fixed appliance or a removable appliance for your treatment. Working with an orthodontist who specializes in cosmetic treatment can help you determine the best option for you and your lifestyle.
Common Cosmetic Orthodontic Treatment Options
Adult and teen patients have several treatment options besides traditional braces. The two most common are clear aligners (commonly known as Invisalign) and lingual braces (braces behind the teeth.)
Both options are low profile and blend into your natural smile. Let's talk about the difference between the two:
Clear Aligners
Aligners are clear plastic trays that fit closely over the teeth, apply even pressure, and slowly move them into their ideal position. They are a great option for teens and adults who want a discreet look while undergoing treatment.
They are removable for business or school presentations, events, and meal time.
Keep in mind: Clear aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day and excellent oral hygiene must be maintained for optimal efficiency. Since they should be removed during mealtimes, they can be easily misplaced. So, if you tend to be forgetful or often misplace small items, you may want to consider a fixed appliance.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are metal braces fastened to the back of your teeth, instead of the front. These "invisible braces" use the technology of traditional fixed braces, while remaining hidden to anyone looking at you straight on.
They are a great option if you who wish to keep your journey towards a perfect smile under the radar. And since they are attached to your teeth, they are considered less maintenance than clear aligners.
Finishing touches
Once your treatment is complete and your teeth are perfectly aligned, we know you'll want to maintain the beautiful smile you worked so hard to achieve. Retainers prevent your teeth from shifting over time, and are the key to holding your teeth in place to make your smile last.
And for some people, straighter teeth is only a piece of their perfect smile puzzle. Professional whitening offers the added confidence boost that will have you beaming with pride. Professional whitening is a faster, more effective alternative to over the counter whitening options, and the results really elevate your smile.
Meet Dr. Rooz
Dr. Rooz Khosravi established PORTH in 2017 to offer a personalized approach to orthodontic treatment plans to the Sammamish, Bellevue, and surrounding communities. He offers individually tailored solutions aimed at creating precision outcomes to deliver beautiful, confident smiles to each of his patients. In addition to running his practice, Dr. Rooz teaches the science of orthodontics to orthodontic residents and dental students at the University of Washington. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a commitment to excellence that is held by limited numbers of orthodontists.