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ADULT ORTHODONTICS

Let’s face it, beautiful straight teeth and a gorgeous youthful smile is what patients’ desire and is what Dr. April Lee delivers at Burlingame Smile Studio. Since very few of us are genetically lucky enough to be born with a perfect smile, most of us require some type of help a.k.a. Orthodontic appliances which could include braces, aligners, or retainers to achieve that beautiful smile. You might think that you’re the only adult out there who would like to improve their smile, but nothing couldn’t be further from the truth!

While it’s true that for most orthodontic offices the majority of patients in treatment are children, at Burlingame Smile Studio you’ll find yourself in good company as currently over 60% of our patients in active treatment are actually ADULTS!

Many people, myself included, were not fortunate enough to have had their teeth straightened as children. Most of us have been thinking about treatment for many years, but tend to postpone the decision because we are afraid that treatment may be too costly, inconvenient or painful. However, with the new advancements in technology, today orthodontic treatment can be completed in less time, with less frequent visits and most importantly with less soreness than ever before! Additional good news is that many dental insurances now cover adult orthodontics at the same level as children. Couple that with Flex Spending or HSA dollars and suddenly your out of pocket costs drop tremendously.

Having a beautiful smile has been scientifically proven to boost self-confidence levels in all age groups. But there are a host of other great reasons to get your smile fixed as an adult. Did you know that left untreated a bad bite, crooked or spaced teeth can trap more food and bacteria than straight teeth? This in turn can sometime lead to other dental problems such as tooth decay, enamel loss, and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment can help prevent these costly unintended consequences from happening and give you a good foundation for healthy teeth for a lifetime.

Dr. April Lee is ready to see you in her Burlingame, CA office. Now is the time to call 650-231-2680 and schedule an appointment to discuss your specific orthodontic smile goals.

FAQ ABOUT DENTAL ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT AND ADULT PATIENTS

Below, we have provided you with some of the answers to the most commonly asked questions about adult orthodontic treatments. We invite you to browse through these questions to find the answers you need. If you cannot find an answer you are looking for, simply call our Burlingame office today at 650-231-2680 or fill out the contact us form and we will call you at your preferred time and date.

CAN ANYONE RECEIVE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT OR IS THERE AN AGE RESTRICTION?

Orthodontic screenings are recommended for all children at age 7, but there are no age restrictions or limitations to seeking care. In fact, today one in five patients who receives orthodontic treatment are 18 years or older. Healthy teeth can be straightened and moved whenever you want and will not disrupt your daily life. Treatment can improve your overall smile overall and function as well as decrease risks of future dental issues.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME TO RECEIVE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

The cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on the severity of your bite and the complexity of your case. Since your teeth and bite is uniquely different from everyone else’s you will need to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Lee to discuss your personal needs. Once she has been able to complete a full orthodontic screening she will be able to provide you with an exact quote for your treatment and discuss whether or not your insurance provider can help cover some of the expenses.

CAN I STILL LIVE MY DAILY LIFE?

Yes. Orthodontic treatment is not a great disrupter to normal daily life. At your consultation appointment Dr. Lee will discuss in detail what you can expect while in treatment. Fear not, you will still be able to enjoy playing sports, instruments, and all your normal activities. You will also find that there are a wide range of orthodontic appliance options, some which even allow you to remove your appliances while you eat and or brush your teeth.

DOES TREATMENT HURT?

No. Treatment is not designed to hurt, and by using the latest technological innovations modern orthodontics is nothing like it used to be 10 or 20 years ago. That said, anything new in your mouth requires a short period of adjustment. Should you experience any discomfort in the first few days of starting treatment it can easily be resolved with the same over the counter meds that you would take for a headache. Once your mouth has adjusted to your appliances it will feel normal again. It depends. Many patients are able to pursue orthodontic treatment after they have resolved previous gum issues. For a small segment of patients previous severe periodontal (gum) disease may have damaged areas of your mouth that would render orthodontic treatment unsafe. The only way to know for sure would be to schedule an appointment to have Dr. Lee review your case on an individual bases.

ARE DENTAL APPLIANCES NOTICEABLE?

No. There are many dental appliance options are that NOT visible. These options are available to you and can be discussed with Dr. Lee. Some of these options include Invisalign clear aligners or clear braces. Many patients choose these options because they do not want to feel awkward in social situations. If you would like to discuss your options, call our Burlingame office today at 650-231-2680.

WILL MY SMILE BE IMPROVED?

Yes. Both your bite and smile will be improved when you pursue orthodontic treatment. Functional teeth in a proper bite always looks the best. Many patients are esthetically driven and aren’t as concerned about their bite, but correcting the bite is very important. Orthodontists are trained for an additional 2-3 years beyond dental school to possess the knowledge to correct both the function and esthetics of your teeth. Even if you are missing teeth, undergoing orthodontics first before placing bridges or implants can vastly improve the esthetic outcomes of your smile. Dr. Lee will go over all of your option with you and help you determine which option will deliver the best results.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO COME INTO YOUR OFFICE FOR TREATMENT?

Typically our patients will need to be seen once every 6-12 weeks for an adjustment. That is only 4-8 times per year so it shouldn’t be a great burden on your work or school schedule. The exact intervals for your appointments are determined by Dr. Lee at each visit. She will take into consideration how your teeth have moved since your last visit and will determine the best time for your next orthodontic adjustment.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TREATMENT?

Dr. Lee will complete a full orthodontic evaluation of your mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. She will take the time to ensure that you will understand all the risks and benefits of orthodontics and have ample opportunity to ask all your questions prior to starting treatment. Sometimes, patients will need to visit other specialists or return to their general dentist to get caught up on preventative care prior to starting orthodontics. Dr. Lee will be certain to explain your specific needs when you meet with her and she will still be able to provide you a quote for your orthodontic treatment.

I hope that you have found this blog post to be informative in your quest for an improved smile. If you have any additional questions, or would like to get the ball rolling we are here to help. Don’t put it off any longer, call us today at 650-231-2680 to schedule your consultation with Dr. April Lee. We look forward to meeting you!

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