The short answer to this question is “no.” Today, adults are straightening their teeth now more than ever in history. In January 2022, the American Association of Orthodontists reports that adults (people aged over 18) now outweigh children and teens in treatment. 

Age is not the deciding factor of whether a person qualifies for cosmetic treatment. Instead, doctors consider the condition of his or her mouth. Some factors they may consider during an orthodontic consultation include disease, restorations, and unhealthy habits (such as smoking) because they can negatively affect treatment outcomes. 

At Smiles for Grant Park, Dr. Abbey J. Lee analyzes current oral health conditions and offers multiple solutions for optimization. Her team is eager to help you understand your options, so don’t be shy. Shoot us a message online. Here are a few smile-upgrading treatments that she offers: 

Invisalign®

Generally speaking, Invisalign and traditional braces can effectively straighten teeth and are similar in price. However, this is where the commonalities end. With this sophisticated system of transparent trays, dentists prescribe Invisalign for patients experiencing:

• Overcrowding
• Crookedness
• Overlapping
• Gaps
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Open bites

Invisalign has an extensive history with thousands of success stories, and this system is constantly improving its technology. In September 2020, the American Journal of Orthopedics and Dentofacial Orthopedics published an article that suggested a marked improvement in the overall accuracy of Invisalign treatment.

Six Month Smiles®

Want to straighten your teeth in a short amount of time with discretion? Six Month Smiles may be the exact solution that you need. According to the manufacturer’s website, the average treatment time is only half a year (hence the name). Six Month Smiles offers two treatment types for crooked, gapped, or misaligned:

• Invisible aligners: Similar in style to the previously mentioned clear aligners, Six Month aligners use their proprietary material, Zendura® FLX™ (which boasts exceptional clarity, flexibility, and more).
• Clear braces: Don’t settle for metal mouth. Six Month Smiles offers barely noticeable tooth-colored wires and clear braces.

Alternative Treatments for Straighter-Looking Smiles

Aside from orthodontics, some cosmetic dentistry techniques can hide small gaps to make some smiles appear straighter in a short amount of time, including:

• Porcelain veneers
• Dental bonding
• Snap-on Smile®

Even though these techniques are functional, affordable, and offer realistic results in just a few visits, they come with significant drawbacks. For instance, these listed treatments don’t actually straighten teeth. In reality, they just conceal the appearance of perceived flaws. 

Plus, these three techniques tend to require more post-treatment upkeep than orthodontics and may require replacement in years to come. On the other hand, orthodontics is intended to straighten for life (when patients follow their doctor’s protocols).

Do you qualify for Invisalign, Six Month Smiles, and other cosmetic dentistry techniques?

As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, it’s never too late to go over your life-changing orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry options. The best way to discover if you are a candidate for treatment is to schedule a consultation. 

Through discreet orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry techniques, Dr. Lee helps patients in Atlanta and surrounding cities become more proud of their smiles. Additionally, if your smile does not qualify for treatments that Dr. Lee offers, she can refer you to someone who can handle your one-of-a-kind case. Schedule a consultation for straighter teeth right now. Call 404-328-7177 or message us online.