The Mattioli Orthodontics Blog

Have you always wanted straight teeth but never got braces as a kid? Have your teeth started to shift and made you unhappy with their appearance? Whatever the reason, if you’re an adult considering orthodontic treatment, you’re not alone. According to IBISWorld, 25% of people who have braces are adults. The good news is, it’s not too late to transform your smile, no matter your age. Let’s take a look at why.

Appearance Isn’t Everything, But It Helps

Having straight teeth and a balanced smile can make you look more youthful and boost your self-confidence. When teeth protrude, overlap, or crowd each other, it can make anyone look older. Getting adult braces from an experienced orthodontist repositions teeth for better alignment. This can take years off your looks while also improving dental function. Who doesn’t want that?

Health Benefits Beyond Just Vanity

Sure, straight teeth look nice, but correcting bite issues provides health advantages too. Crooked teeth are harder to brush and floss thoroughly. This allows more plaque and tartar to accumulate, increasing decay and gum disease risks. Protruding front teeth are also prone to chipping and fracturing. After braces, it’s easier to keep teeth clean, and cracks are less likely to form. That means better long-term dental health.

Today’s Braces Are More Discreet

You probably picture shiny metal mouthfuls when thinking of orthodontic treatment. However, brackets have come a long way and tend to be smaller and more discreet now. Clear aligners are also popular options for adults. With custom-fit plastic trays that switch out weekly, Invisalign can shift teeth while being minimally visible. They’re removable for eating and brushing, too. Consult your orthodontist about which modern devices suit your lifestyle best.

Treatment Timelines Move Faster

One common myth is that braces take longer when you’re an adult. However, newer orthodontic practices include shorter, more efficient treatment plans. Issues like minor spacing or crowding often resolve rather quickly, after only six months to a year of braces. More complex cases take longer, usually one to three years, according to Healthline. However, some newer accelerated techniques use technology to reduce overall wear time.

There are so many reasons not to put off getting a straighter, healthier smile any longer. Cosmetic and medical advances now make braces more attainable and discreet than ever before. Book an appointment with an orthodontist today to discuss your options. You have nothing to lose except those teeth alignment frustrations you’ve lived with for too long. Call us today for a consultation at Mattioli Orthodontics.

Orthodontic braces are one of the most common solutions to fixing crooked teeth. According to IBISWorld, about 4 million people receive braces annually in the United States. Are you considering investing in braces? When choosing your braces, your dentist will ask whether you want to have traditional braces or clear braces. Here are some pros and cons of each option.

Pros and Cons of Clear Braces

Clear braces are a great choice of orthodontic treatment for those who want their braces to be more discreet. Not only are the braces’ ceramic brackets clear, but you can also get clear wires to make it even easier to help the braces blend in. This is a great option for those who are self-conscious about wearing braces. They also tend to be less irritating to your mouth and gums.

There are a couple of extra steps to consider with the clear braces. These may make your decision more difficult since the braces aren’t necessarily attached to your teeth like traditional ones. When eating or cleaning your teeth, you’ll need to remove them. Additionally, you’ll need to clean the braces themselves throughout the day.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Braces

Patients may lean towards traditional braces because they are the most cost-effective. They are also perfect for dealing with some severely crooked teeth, as the wires can pull those into place. Rubber bands help the process. These types of braces tend to be faster than Invisalign, for example.

One of the main cons is that people don’t always prefer traditional braces due to how they are structured. The metal may feel too invasive to one’s mouth. Also, the braces may irritate the gums at first. With traditional braces, patients need to regularly visit their orthodontist so they can tighten up the wires. That leads to some discomfort for the next couple of days.

How to Choose Your Braces

Overall, it’s something that you need to discuss with your orthodontist to make sure that you are making the right choice. The right decision for you depends on factors like your budget, the state of your teeth, and what sort of timeframe you are operating under. Your personal feelings are also important as it’s a long-term commitment. Then, you both can work on getting your teeth to the position that you want. That’s reason enough to smile.

Are you or a loved one in need of orthodontic braces? Here at Mattioli Orthodontics, our experts have over 40 years of experience. You can absolutely trust us with your smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Are you searching for a local orthodontist for yourself or your child? You might be wondering what to look for in an orthodontist to ensure you’re receiving the best care possible. According to Zippia, over 70% of orthodontists are women, however, there are plenty of male orthodontists who provide excellent services too. While gender can be an important factor for some people when choosing a healthcare provider, it doesn’t impact the quality of care you can receive from an orthodontist. There are several other traits and education points to focus on when selecting a local orthodontist.

Clinical Care

The orthodontic treatment process is clinical and based on scientific principles and techniques. The quality of treatment you will receive can be greatly determined by the orthodontist’s knowledge, experience, and skill level. While this clinical education background is crucial to be able to perform their job, it should still be done with a personable and respectful bedside manner. An orthodontist is trained to diagnose and treat various orthodontic conditions using the most appropriate methods and technologies, so don’t be afraid to look into their educational background and ask questions.

Professional Expertise

Orthodontic treatment is a highly specialized field that requires extensive training and experience. Most orthodontists spend years in school before going on to complete residencies and internships with other orthodontists. The most important qualities when choosing an orthodontist are their professional expertise, credentials, experience, and reputation. These things play a huge factor regarding the quality of treatment you or your child will receive.

Strong Communication Skills

Regarding orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist’s personality and communication skills can significantly impact the overall experience. You want to feel comfortable and confident in your orthodontist’s abilities, which their personality and communication style can influence. Some orthodontists try to make the experience fun and enjoyable, while others are all business. The important thing is to find the one that is right for your needs. If they can communicate effectively, listen to your concerns, and make you feel at ease during treatment, you know you’ve found the right local orthodontist for you.

Ready to get started on your orthodontic journey? Contact Mattioli Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation, and learn more about our office and staff. We welcome the opportunity to help you or your child achieve your dental goals. Let’s connect today!