Many of our patients ask if they’re too old to wear braces. In truth, orthodontics can be beneficial at any age. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), about 25% of today’s braces wearers are over the age of 18. Dr. Frances Kray and Dr. Julia Giardina are proud to provide a range of adult orthodontic treatments in Harrisonburg, VA. It’s never too late to enhance your smile and invest in your long-term oral health.
Adult Orthodontics
Many of our patients ask if they’re too old to wear braces. In truth, orthodontics can be beneficial at any age. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), about 25% of today’s braces wearers are over the age of 18. Dr. Frances Kray and Dr. Julia Giardina are proud to provide a range of adult orthodontic treatments in Harrisonburg, VA. It’s never too late to enhance your smile and invest in your long-term oral health.
Benefits of Adult Orthodontics
There are a number of reasons why adults choose orthodontic care. Some may simply want to enhance the appearance of their smile. Others may recognize the numerous oral health benefits offered by adult orthodontics. For example, teeth that are in alignment are much easier to clean. As a result, patients can actively reduce the risk of decay, gum disease, and a host of other oral health problems. Secondly, proper alignment ensures a proper bite. This helps prevent tooth erosion, mobility, and premature tooth loss.
Are adult orthodontics right for you?
Adult orthodontics offer a number of advantages. You may want to schedule a consultation if you:
Are self-conscious about the appearance of your smile
Have visibly crooked, crowded teeth
Cover your mouth when laughing or talking
Have gaps or spaces between the teeth
Experience clicking or popping when opening or closing your mouth
Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina believe in a comprehensive approach to dentistry. Therefore, they will work closely alongside your general dentist to ensure you receive the most optimal outcome.
Benefits of Adult Orthodontics
There are a number of reasons why adults choose orthodontic care. Some may simply want to enhance the appearance of their smile. Others may recognize the numerous oral health benefits offered by adult orthodontics. For example, teeth that are in alignment are much easier to clean. As a result, patients can actively reduce the risk of decay, gum disease, and a host of other oral health problems. Secondly, proper alignment ensures a proper bite. This helps prevent tooth erosion, mobility, and premature tooth loss.
Are adult orthodontics right for you?
Adult orthodontics offer a number of advantages. You may want to schedule a consultation if you:
Are self-conscious about the appearance of your smile
Have visibly crooked, crowded teeth
Cover your mouth when laughing or talking
Have gaps or spaces between the teeth
Experience clicking or popping when opening or closing your mouth
Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina believe in a comprehensive approach to dentistry. Therefore, they will work closely alongside your general dentist to ensure you receive the most optimal outcome.
Adult Orthodontic Options
Many patients ask us if braces for adults are different from braces for kids. While the treatment is similar, the timeline may take a bit longer. This is because the jaw stops growing around the age of 17 or 18 – so it may take a few more months for the teeth to move. Our doctors offers a number of adult orthodontic treatment options at our practice. We’ll take a look at the most popular below.
Traditional Braces
Though there are many solutions available today, traditional braces are still a tried-and-true option. Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina use stainless steel brackets, bands, and wires to gently shift the teeth into their desired positions. Timelines vary with each patient, but most can complete treatment in about 18 to 24 months. Braces for adults not only improve the appearance of your smile, but also your oral health and function.
Ceramic Braces
Adults who want a more discreet orthodontic option can choose ceramic braces. Also referred to as clear braces, these appliances are less noticeable to others. Ceramic braces are designed the same way as their traditional metal counterparts. However, the brackets are ceramic and the arch wire is shaded to match your teeth. Ceramic braces offer the same advantages as conventional braces, but they tend to be more fragile. Therefore, proper care is necessary to keep them in good condition.
Invisalign® and Clarity®
Invisalign® and Clarity® are common braces alternatives that replace brackets and wires altogether. Instead of using metal components to straighten the teeth, our clear aligner systems use a series of clear, removable, thermoplastic trays. Because the aligners are virtually invisible, many of our adult patients choose this option. Like braces, Invisalign and Clarity take 18 to 24 months to complete, on average. Dr. Giardina will make a selection of which option is best depending on your specific treatment plan and goals.
Adult Orthodontic Options
Many patients ask us if braces for adults are different from braces for kids. While the treatment is similar, the timeline may take a bit longer. This is because the jaw stops growing around the age of 17 or 18 – so it may take a few more months for the teeth to move. Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina offer a number of adult orthodontic treatment options at our practice. We’ll take a look at the most popular below.
Traditional Braces
Though there are many solutions available today, traditional braces are still a tried-and-true option. Our doctors use stainless steel brackets, bands, and wires to gently shift the teeth into their desired positions. Timelines vary with each patient, but most can complete treatment in about 18 to 24 months. Braces for adults not only improve the appearance of your smile, but also your oral health and function.
Ceramic Braces
Adults who want a more discreet orthodontic option can choose ceramic braces. Also referred to as clear braces, these appliances are less noticeable to others. Ceramic braces are designed the same way as their traditional metal counterparts. However, the brackets are ceramic and the arch wire is shaded to match your teeth. Ceramic braces offer the same advantages as conventional braces, but they tend to be more fragile. Therefore, proper care is necessary to keep them in good condition.
Invisalign® and Clarity®
Invisalign® and Clarity® are common braces alternatives that replace brackets and wires altogether. Instead of using metal components to straighten the teeth, our clear aligner systems use a series of clear, removable, thermoplastic trays. Because the aligners are virtually invisible, many of our adult patients choose this option. Like braces, Invisalign and Clarity take 18 to 24 months to complete, on average. Dr. Giardina will make a selection of which option is best depending on your specific treatment plan and goals.
Learn more about adult orthodontic options at our Harrisonburg office.
Adults seeking braces in Harrisonburg, VA, should look no further than our amazing doctors: Frances M. Kray, DDS and Julia A. Giardina, DDS. They are dedicated to improving the health, function, and appearance of your smile. During a consultation, Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina can explore all possible treatment options with you in detail. A beautiful, healthy smile is within your reach.
Contact us online anytime or call our office at (540) 433-8814.
Learn more about adult orthodontics
Adults seeking braces in Harrisonburg, VA, should look no further than our amazing doctors: Frances M. Kray, DDS and Julia A. Giardina, DDS. They are dedicated to improving the health, function, and appearance of your smile. During a consultation, Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina can explore all possible treatment options with you in detail. A beautiful, healthy smile is within your reach.
Contact us online anytime or call our office at (540) 433-8814.