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When you hear the words “orthodontic treatment,” what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? If it’s an image of teens in traditional metal braces, you aren’t alone! That particular stereotype has had real staying power over the years, and you may not even realize that modern orthodontic treatment can benefit adults as well as children and teens. As a matter of fact, the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment has skyrocketed in recent years. About 25% of current orthodontic patients are over the age of 18, but it’s still very common for adults to feel as though it’s too late to do anything about a smile they don’t love.
If you happen to be one of these adults, you probably find the idea of straighter teeth and improved oral health appealing. We all do! But you may not feel confident about using traditional braces to achieve it. Or maybe it’s become increasingly difficult over the years to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as they should be, but you just aren’t sure where to begin correcting any issues you’re having. That’s what Seabreeze Orthodontics is here for! We believe that a healthy, beautiful smile should be available to patients of all ages, and that you’re never too old to take advantage of what orthodontics has to offer.
Why are more adults seeking orthodontic treatment?
There are many reasons why we’re seeing older patients in our practice these days. As we age, we often become more aware of the connection that exists between our oral health and our overall health. Caring for our teeth and gums can impact our entire bodies, something we may not fully realize in our younger years. There are also many adults who never completed orthodontic treatment in their teens. Some might have finished the treatment process, but didn’t wear their retainer as directed afterwards, so their teeth ended up back in their original positions. Previous orthodontic patients sometimes want to complete the interrupted orthodontic journey, or redo the entire process.
At the end of the day, most adult patients are simply looking for a way to achieve the straight and healthy smile they’ve always wanted! To learn a little more about what orthodontics encompasses, and what Seabreeze Orthodontics has to offer adult patients like you, keep reading below!
Your first orthodontic appointment with us
We believe that your first visit to our Myrtle Beach office is also the most important one. Not only is this our chance to “wow” you, but it’s our opportunity to meet and get to know each other. During your initial consultation, you can expect our team to:
- review your dental and medical history forms
- provide a complete oral examination, including x-rays, to determine if treatment is necessary
- create a customized treatment plan for you
- discuss all financial information, insurance options, and payment plans
We want you to feel confident that you are in the very best hands by the end of this visit, and fully informed about each step of your treatment process! We know that orthodontic treatment is an important investment. Once Dr. Faja-Fernandez has evaluated your case, he’ll determine a treatment fee based on your specific orthodontic needs and the complexity of the treatment needed. Our team will always detail both the cost of your treatment and each available payment plan option, so you’ll able to make the best choice for you and your budget. You’ll know exactly what to expect before beginning any treatment.
At Seabreeze Orthodontics, we’re all about creating beautiful smiles that last a lifetime! We want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best orthodontic care whenever you need it. Our practice accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans, as well as affordable third-party financing options through Orthobanc. With third-party financing, you can:
- start treatment immediately
- take advantage of low monthly payments
- finance up to 100% of the treatment cost
- choose between several payment options
- pay no costs up front
- pay no annual fees
Orthodontic treatments for our adult patients
Modern orthodontics has made many impressive advancements over the years. Orthodontists like Dr. Faja-Fernandez work with cutting-edge technology and innovative techniques to offer adult patients a wide variety of treatment options, all of which are comfortable, customizable, and affordable.
These are the most common type of braces, and probably the ones most people recognize. Traditional braces are generally made of a high-grade stainless steel, and use a combination of metal brackets, bands, and archwires to gradually move the teeth into more desirable positions. The metal braces we work with today are much lighter and sleeker than any previous models, and they’re more fun, too! You can easily customize braces with a wide range of brightly colored elastics that let you show off your personality, or if you prefer a more subtle approach, we also have clear or tooth-colored bands available.
Ceramic braces function in much the same way metal braces do, but instead of metal, the brackets are made of a white or tooth-colored ceramic material. Although they’re much less noticeable than traditional braces, they do require a bit more attention to oral hygiene as the brackets tend to be a bit larger and slightly more brittle than their metal counterparts. For this reason, we tend to only recommend ceramic braces for older teen and adult patients who require the strength and functionality of traditional braces, but want a more cosmetically appealing option.
Clear aligner therapy uses a series of removable, customized aligners that straighten your teeth the same way braces do, but without brackets, wires, and bands. Because the aligners are practically invisible, they offer adult patients an incredibly discrete orthodontic option. The custom design is made to fit over your own teeth so they’re very comfortable as they gently straighten your smile over time, and because they’re removable, there are no food restrictions. Plus brushing and flossing is as easy as ever! This gives you a little more flexibility and freedom than fixed appliances like braces.
Every treatment option has its pros and cons, and not every treatment will be suitable for all patients. Working with experienced orthodontists like Dr. Faja-Fernandez guarantees you’ll receive only the most appropriate treatment for your particular case.
Take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted
If you’ve been waiting half your life to begin improving your smile, the last thing you want is a cookie-cutter approach to that journey. Here at Seabreeze Orthodontics, we believe in customized treatment plans based on every patient’s unique orthodontic needs and goals. Our team is skilled, experienced, and fully committed to giving you the highest-quality orthodontic experience from your first appointment to your last! If you’re in Myrtle Beach or the surrounding communities, get in touch with us today to schedule your free consultation.