Adult Orthodontics – Jacksonville, FL

Personalized Orthodontic Care At Any Age

Orthodontics is not just for kids! Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and it's never too late to improve your smile. In addition to offering traditional adult braces, Dr. Holland also provides incredibly discreet options like clear brackets, Invisalign®, and lingual braces, all of which are great choices for the adult patient hoping to drastically improve their smile.

Why Choose Ortega Orthodontics For Adult Treatment?

• Invisalign: Straighter Teeth Without Metal Braces
• Lingual Braces: Traditional Orthodontic Care That Can’t Be Seen
• Homegrown Jacksonville Orthodontist With Years of Experience

Convenient Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Sometimes the most convenient time for adults to receive treatment or retreatment is while their child is already undergoing their own orthodontic journey. Please mention this to Ortega Orthodontics if you're interested.

Adults can experience several problems, including overcrowded teeth, which may require orthodontic treatment in order to keep them clean and healthy. Treatment options include traditional metal braces, lingual braces, clear aligners (Invisalign), corrective jaw surgery, nighttime aligners and more. Which one is right for you depends on whether your teeth require dramatic repositioning or simply a minor tweak.

Traditional Braces

Traditional or metal braces have been used for many decades to correct a variety of alignment issues in both teens and adults. With this option, metal brackets are adhered to the teeth and connected with wires that apply sustained pressure, moving them slowly over time. This allows Dr. Holland to create very precise movements, which is ideal for more complex or severe cases. While each patient's treatment plan looks different, this choice is generally the most cost-effective way to get fantastic results.

Clear/Ceramic Braces

Just like metal braces, this option also moves the teeth through the use of brackets and wires, with the main difference being the materials used (transparent ceramic brackets and tooth-colored wires). In addition to blending in with your existing smile, they're also more comfortable because they lay flatter against your teeth. They're just as effective as metal braces and can be an excellent option if you don't want your orthodontic treatment to stand out. With ceramic braces, you'll be able to navigate your personal and professional life without embarrassment.

Lingual Braces

As a specialist, Dr. Holland has advanced training to provide another discreet orthodontic treatment called lingual braces. The term "lingual" refers to the back sides of the teeth, or the surfaces closest to the tongue. While metal brackets and wires are still used, they're adhered to the lingual surfaces of your teeth instead of the outer surfaces. This gives you the same benefits of traditional braces, with the added cosmetic advantage of being hidden from view.

Invisalign

If you want to avoid brackets and wires altogether, Invisalign may be a great choice. Since the clear aligners are removable, you can easily brush and floss and won't have any dietary restrictions. You'll simply wear the aligners at least 20-22 hours per day and switch to a new set about every 2 weeks. Each pair of trays will make small, incremental movements until your final results are achieved. On top of being practically invisible, Invisalign works for gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and more. However, Dr. Holland may recommend a more traditional treatment for particularly severe cases or jaw issues.   

Orthognathic Surgery

For jaw alignment problems that can't be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone, orthognathic surgery (also known as jaw surgery) may be necessary. This procedure repositions the lower jaw, which greatly enhances both overall appearance and the function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Your long-term oral health will be greatly improved because jaw pain and uneven wear-and-tear on your teeth will be eliminated. In addition, severe overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites will be corrected, allowing secondary orthodontic treatment to work much better.

Adult Consultations

Are you an adult who never had the opportunity to address misaligned teeth? Did you previously undergo treatment many years ago and are now experiencing relapses since then? Dr. Holland is happy to perform an in-person consultation with you to determine the best treatment possible for your needs. Not only are consultations just $45, but if you choose to undergo orthodontic care at our office, that $45 will immediately be put towards your final costs. Feel free to give us a call today! 

At Ortega Orthodontics, we work with many adults to improve their dental health and give them the beautiful smile they've always wanted. If you’d like to know how one of our orthodontic treatments can benefit you, give us a call today!

Adult Orthodontics FAQs

Do you still have questions on whether or not adult orthodontics are right for you? If you haven’t thought about addressing your misaligned smile or bite in a long time, we understand why you may have concerns you’d like to address first. Below, you can read a handful of the most common questions we hear at Ortega Orthodontics! If yours is not mentioned, don’t worry. We’re always just a phone call away as well!

What is the fastest orthodontic treatment?

Many adults want to complete their orthodontic treatment as soon as possible, but the treatment you choose will largely influence how long you can expect your realignment to take. Most adults completing treatment consider themselves to be working professionals, and the sooner they can get treatment done the better. With that said, Invisalign generally offers the shortest treatment length out of all the options we provide. However, it is best suited for those with mild to moderate misalignment or uneven bites.

What benefits can I expect from adult braces?

One of the main benefits of pursuing adult braces is the fact that your selection has dramatically increased since you were a kid! Our office is happy to offer multiple solutions based on your specific needs. Of course, adult orthodontics do more than simply give you an attractive smile. They also work to make oral care easier, improve comfort when chewing and swallowing, and give you more confidence to show your smile off.

Do adult braces have side effects?

A common side effect that comes with orthodontic braces is mild discomfort in the gums and teeth. However, this only occurs when the braces are initially placed on teeth and following any tightening appointments. In other, more rare cases, root resorption can also occur. The risk of root resorption is largely based on the length of time the braces are worn, the shape of the root, genetic predisposition, and your current hygiene habits. With that said, we often recommend oral rinses and orthodontic waxes for those looking for ways to ease any discomfort.

How much do braces cost?

Most adults are better able to afford braces compared to when they were younger, especially if their family chose not to pursue orthodontics due to the cost. Depending on your reasoning for pursuing adult orthodontics, you may be able to get dental insurance to cover at least a portion of your treatment. However, these costs will also vary depending on the type of braces you need. If necessary, you can always make a down payment on braces and pay monthly installments, rather than pay all in one lump sum.

Is it ever too late to get braces?

Most orthodontists agree when they say it’s never too late to complete orthodontic treatment. It is better to start early, but it’s not required. As long as you have a healthy jaw and healthy gums, you’ll be able to get braces at just about any age. If you’d prefer, ceramic braces are less visible than traditional metal braces, even when using tooth-colored elastics. Regardless of which treatment you choose, it is imperative that you always practice dedicated oral care to maintain their condition and avoid disruptions in your treatment.