Your Guide to Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Affordable treatment options

Affordable treatment options at Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics make orthodontic treatment manageable on any budget! We know how confusing the financial side of treatment can be, and our goal is to make your orthodontic journey easy and stress-free. To that end, we’ve built strong working relationships with the top insurance companies in Maine and offer convenient payment options. We also have discount programs and will work with your dental insurance to make the most of any orthodontic coverage. To make your journey easier, our office team is always available to help you with claims and paperwork.

A variety of treatment options to choose from

Not too long ago, metal braces were the only option available for anyone looking to achieve a straighter smile. Today, we have multiple ways to align the teeth and jaws! At Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the following treatments for a complete smile transformation. If you’re like most people, when you think of orthodontic treatment, you probably picture a teenager in a set of metal braces. This stereotype has been persistent over the years, but it isn’t the full picture! While teens do make up a large percentage of orthodontic patients in our Portland and Windham offices, children and adults are closing that gap with every passing year. The increase in new adult patients has been particularly notable—with 1 in 3 patients now over the age of 18, this demographic has grown at an astounding rate! That’s why our Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics team has your guide to adult orthodontic treatment!

We hear from adults every day who worry that it’s too late to achieve the straight smile they’ve been dreaming of. Fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth! You’re never too old to improve your smile with orthodontic care. If you’ve spent a lifetime feeling unhappy with the way your teeth look or function, there’s never been a better time to look into all the benefits that treatment has to offer. Let’s take a closer look at what’s causing the increase in adult patients and how orthodontics can help you achieve a confident smile of your own!

Understanding the importance of a healthy smile

Most young people in braces or aligners are going through orthodontic treatment because their parents decided it would be good for them. While younger patients can certainly understand the importance of treatment—and will love the final results—adults typically have a more practical understanding of how braces or aligners can positively impact their lives.

We also tend to learn more about the many ways our oral health is connected to our total body health as we get older. This leads some adults to seek out orthodontic treatment to keep their smiles in pristine shape. As an adult, you’ll be able to grasp what orthodontic treatment truly is: an investment of your time and finances that pays off in a big way with improved oral health and increased self-confidence!

Your Guide to Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Metal Braces 

Metal braces have a long track record of success and can be ideal for treating more serious or complex cases. They also tend to be the most economical treatment option. Dr. Yu uses Damon braces, a self-ligating bracket system that uses lighter wires and low-friction brackets. This means fewer appointments, less discomfort, and faster treatment!

Clear Braces

Damon clear braces are the same shape and size as metal braces but have the added benefit of translucent brackets that blend in nicely with your natural smile. They provide a very subtle treatment option for image-conscious patients in Portland and Windham! While the ceramic brackets are durable, they can be more prone to breakage than metal brackets. For this reason, we usually only recommend them for our teen and adult patients. 

Invisalign clear aligner system

Instead of brackets and wires, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear removable aligners to move the teeth. These are made from a special thermoplastic resin and customized to fit firmly but comfortably over your teeth. Because they’re removable, they provide adult patients with a bit more freedom and flexibility than traditional braces. You’ll be able to eat as you normally would with no food restrictions, and dental hygiene is easier to maintain. When worn as directed by Dr. Yu, Invisalign can be just as effective as braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues. 

Looking to the future

Everyone knows that braces and aligners can improve the cosmetic appearance of just about any smile, but the benefits don’t stop there! Crooked or crowded teeth can make it a challenge to brush and floss effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Misalignment can cause excess wear on the teeth and enamel, which may lead to chronic headaches, jaw aches, and pain in the face and neck.

Orthodontic treatment with Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics can reduce or eliminate symptoms like these. It can also help protect you from serious oral health problems in the future. This will not only give you a healthier smile with improved function, but it can also mean major long-term financial savings. That’s definitely something adults with bills to pay can appreciate!

Your Guide to Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Get the healthy smile you deserve with Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics

There’s no age limit when it comes to all of the benefits orthodontics has to offer! No matter how old you are, our expert team can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re in Portland, Windham, or the surrounding areas, we’d love to meet you!

Take the first step towards improved oral health and a smile you’ll want to share with everyone around you. To get started, schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Yu today!