Our Blog

Adult braces aren’t just for first timers. If you had braces as a kid and think you might need an orthodontic adjustment but don’t want to twin with your teenager, there’s literally nothing stopping you anymore.

Clear aligners from Invisalign have become a preferred option for adults looking to straighten teeth that have shifted over the years, especially for those who might be a little self-conscious about wearing traditional braces.

You’re not alone

Adults are getting braces more than ever before. The American Association of Orthodontists says that adults are getting orthodontic treatment in record numbers, and not all of them for the first time either. Not only that, patients are reporting that after treatment they feel better about themselves and their social lives. Most would recommend seeking out treatment for other adults.

So what’s stopping you from getting that “tune-up” to straighten your teeth? We say nothing! Want more reasons to get Invisalign treatment as an adult even if you got braces as a kid? Read on.

Teeth can be moved at any age

There is no age limit to moving healthy teeth and age is almost never a factor for an orthodontist when treating a patient. The only difference is that treatment may last a little longer since adult bones and teeth have stopped growing, meaning that it takes a little more effort to force teeth into position. Even if you had braces before as a child, that’s no reason to forgo improving your bite and realizing a healthier, beautiful smile.

People won’t notice you’re wearing them

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth. And, unlike traditional braces that you might have had as a kid, Invisalign aligners are removable. You take them out briefly when you eat or brush your teeth - that means no food caught between brackets; no flashbacks to the middle school cafeteria for you. Most of the time your aligners will stay in so they can do the work of moving your teeth. The good thing is that they are virtually invisible so people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.

They are customized especially for you by a Board Certified Orthodontist

Technology has come a long way since you wore braces (and your favorite band wasn’t being played on an oldies channel.) Invisalign aligners are customized to your mouth using 3D digital technology - none of that suffocating goop you remember from the first time around. This means the aligners fit like a glove and are made to be as efficient at moving your teeth as possible.  Furthermore, Dr. Harris personally evaluates your teeth and smile and understands your desires and designs the plan specifically for you.  Personalized and effective treatment at its best!

More likes and better selfies

Okay, so we don’t have any scientific evidence for this, but trust us, in the end you will be happier with your new smile and you will absolutely love your selfies. Social media will be filled with beautiful, wide smiles that get more likes and make you feel great!

Dr. Christopher Harris has many years of experience in orthodontics and happily treats both teens and adults with Invisalign. 

If you’re an adult and think you want to get your teeth straightened, even if you had braces as a child already, then click below or call us at (704) 597-5555 today to schedule a consultation with Harris Orthodontics. We can’t wait to meet you! 

There is much more to taking care of your children's teeth than teaching them how to brush, and taking them to the dentist to fix the occasional cavity. Most parents realize that getting their children to begin flossing, as well as getting their teeth professionally cleaned, are also key elements of modern oral hygiene, but beyond that, is there anything else you should be doing?

What many families don't fully appreciate is the importance of getting their children examined by an orthodontist at an early age, in addition to their regular dental check-up. While many parents think that such an exam is only about getting braces for their children's teeth, there is really much more to this type of dentistry than meets the eye.

Why an Orthodontist?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the physical alignment of the teeth and jaw. And while the main tools of an orthodontist are braces, retainers, Invisalign, etc. – the goal of Harris Orthodontics is much more than just creating a pretty smile.

Orthodontic techniques, such as braces and expanders, are principally designed to correct problems that prevent proper eating, sleeping, and speaking. The fact is that when your child’s teeth or jaws are not lined up correctly, it can impact how they chew, talk, sleep, smile - and yes – even how they feel about themselves.

The conditions that orthodontists look to correct most frequently range from misaligned teeth and over-crowding to jaw growth issues. Any one of these problems can lead to headaches, poor mastication, snoring, and even pronounced susceptibility to decay from teeth that are difficult to reach while brushing. 

When to Begin Orthodontic Exams

Even for parents who are aware of the importance of braces and orthodontic care generally, the question of when their children should first begin such treatment still causes a good deal of confusion. Should parents wait until their children begin to exhibit conditions such as crooked teeth, or complain of tooth positioning problems – or should they act much sooner?

The American Association of Orthodontists and most orthodontists agree that a child's first exam should occur sometime around their 7th birthday. This enables the orthodontist to spot issues requiring treatment early, and to set up an effective treatment routine to address them. Based on their findings, the orthodontist can recommend anything from no treatment at all, to a carefully designed plan to improve their condition. The goal of each of these procedures is to minimize future treatment and reduce the need to extract healthy permanent teeth.

Proper orthodontic care for your children may start early, but pays dividends by catching potential costly problems before they develop. And the fact that orthodontic treatments create gorgeous smiles, is an added – and very welcome bonus.

Click below or call us at (704) 597-5555 today to schedule a consultation with Harris Orthodontics. We can’t wait to meet you!

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. Please check back often for weekly updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about orthodontics and the dental industry, and the latest news about our practice.

Feel free to leave a comment or question for our doctors and staff - we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!