A Guide to Getting Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult

Grayslake, IL – More adults than ever are turning to orthodontic treatment to get the smiles they’ve always wanted. Today, nearly one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. Orthodontic treatment not only creates a more beautiful smile, it creates a better bite, allowing for teeth to fit together better and decrease the risk of future dental problems.

But there is a lot to know about orthodontic treatment. Dr. Michael Stosich of Stosich Consulting explains getting braces or using clear aligner therapy, such as Invisalign, as an adult.

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

Luckily, you’re never too old to get the smile of your dreams. When Dr. Stosich creates your individualized treatment plan, he will take many factors into consideration – your age is a small piece of that. The biological process that moves the teeth is the same whether you are 12 or 62, so you can have the healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted at any age.

How is orthodontic treatment different as an adult?

While you are never too old for orthodontic treatment, there are a few things that can make orthodontic treatment as an adult a bit different. The first is that adults do not have the benefit of a jaw that is still growing. This is why most orthodontic patients are children – we can guide the growth of the jaw to create the most harmonious environment for the permanent teeth to erupt.

Some adult patients may require jaw surgery to achieve their ideal smile. Other adults may not require surgery but may be in treatment longer than an adolescent patient might be due to the density and maturity of the bone structure.

Likewise, many adults have oral health issues that younger patients do not have, such as gum disease, missing teeth, or restorations. While none of these eliminate you from receiving orthodontic treatment, it may impact your treatment times and outcome.

What are my treatment options?

The good news is there are more treatment options today than ever before. From traditional braces to clear aligners and everything in between, you can choose the option that will best suit your needs and fit into your lifestyle.

• Traditional metal braces are still used today for a very good reason – they are highly efficient and effective. And at Stosich Consulting, Dr. Stosich uses his patented low-profile iD braces. Dr. Stosich’s personalized iD braces are high-tech, effective, efficient and completely personalized to each patient. They are made of high-grade stainless steel and are much lower profile than other metal braces options.
• Ceramic braces are like metal braces but are made of tooth-colored or clear material to blend in better with the natural smile. They are less noticeable than metal braces, however, they are not as strong.
• Lingual braces are metal braces with one important twist – they fit along the tongue side of your teeth, rendering them almost invisible to others. They are one of the most discreet orthodontic options. Dr. Stosich custom designs the brackets and wires to be placed along the lingual side of your teeth and offers high precision and accuracy in treatment.
• Invisible braces refer to clear aligner systems that use clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth to gradually guide them to their ideal locations. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks before moving on to the next, and the aligners are worn a minimum of 22 hours a day. Dr. Stosich uses both iD Clear Aligners by Sure Smile and Invisalign for his patients.

Which treatment option is best?

When it comes to choosing the treatment that is best for you, you should visit a board-certified orthodontist such as Dr. Stosich. You will be in the hands of someone who is committed to the highest ideals of orthodontics, and who has the experience and knowledge to provide the best and most long-lasting result.

When it comes to the option that is right for you, there will be several factors that come into play. First, it is important to remember that while there are more treatment options than ever before, not ever one of them might be the best for your individual issue. Dr. Stosich works with patients every day and is well-versed in which treatment options can provide the best results for certain malocclusions. His advice can help you determine which treatment will be able to provide you with the most ideal smile.

Which treatment is the fastest?

When it comes to treatment times, there are several factors that come into play. The severity of your malocclusion, your age at treatment time, and the treatment option you choose are some of those factors. But no matter what, Dr. Stosich is committed to providing effective and efficient treatment that goes by in a snap. Because of his experience and commitment to the science behind moving teeth, his patients often experience shorter treatment times.

How expensive is treatment?

Again, the cost of your treatment will depend on several factors, the same as your treatment length. However, Dr. Stosich works hard to provide treatment that is not only effective, but cost-efficient as well. Every patient deserves a healthy, beautiful smile and Dr. Stosich is committed to making treatment available to everyone. Not only will his team work with you to personalize a payment plan that works for you, he also accepts all major insurances and credit cards, and offers interest-free financing for up to two years.

There is no time like the present to learn more about how orthodontic treatment can improve your smile and your oral health. Dr. Stosich treats patients of all ages, and offers cutting edge, patient-centered care. Call 847-548-4200 (Grayslake) or 224-408-2200 (Kenilworth) for your free consultation.