Thanks in part to an ever-increasing range of affordable treatment options, more adults than ever are choosing to improve their oral health with orthodontics. Although teens still make up the largest percentage of orthodontic patients, we’re seeing children and adults close that gap every day! Here at Petrunic Orthodontics, we’re proud to create beautiful smiles for patients of all ages in Prattville and the surrounding communities. If you’ve spent years feeling unhappy with how your teeth look, feel, or function, we’ve got good news—you’re never too old to achieve a healthier, more confident smile! To learn more about the customized orthodontic care available in adulthood, keep reading below.
Why are more and more adults choosing orthodontics?
Most of our adolescent patients undergo orthodontic treatment because their parents have chosen it for them after consulting with Dr. Petrunic. Younger patients are certainly able to understand the importance of treatment and are thrilled with the final results, but the truth is that adults will often have a better understanding of how a healthier smile will positively impact their lives.
Adults also tend to be more aware of the ways that oral health can benefit their overall body health. This leads many of them to seek out dental or orthodontic treatment that will keep their teeth and gums in the best possible shape! As an adult patient, you’ll be able to truly grasp what orthodontic treatment is: an investment of your time and finances that will reward you with a beautiful smile, improved health, and increased self-confidence.
Using orthodontics to improve your oral health
Orthodontic treatment is incredibly effective at straightening teeth, but the benefits don’t stop there! Crooked or crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing difficult, thereby increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Misalignment can also cause excess wear on the teeth and enamel, which may lead to chronic headaches, jaw aches, and pain in the face and neck.
Orthodontic treatment will help reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Not only that, but braces and aligners can protect you from developing serious oral health problems in the future! This can mean big-time financial savings down the line.
Treatment that fits your budget
There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient! Achieving a confident smile is more affordable than ever, thanks to a variety of innovative treatment options. Petrunic Orthodontics offers flexible payment options to suit every budget, including interest-free installment plans. Multiple family discounts may also apply.
For your convenience, we accept most credit and debit cards. We can even set monthly auto payments up from your bank! If you have a Flexible or Health Savings Account or insurance coverage, we’ll be sure to take this into account as well. We’ll even help you file claims if you intend on using insurance to cover your treatment. And don’t worry— we’ll ensure you fully understand every fee included in your treatment plan before we move forward with fitting you for braces or aligners.
Treatment options for every lifestyle
Not so long ago, there were only a few choices for anyone looking to improve their smile. Today we have multiple ways to align the teeth and jaws! Our practice is proud to offer the following treatment options for a complete smile transformation.
Invisalign
With this innovative system, no brackets and wires are required to move your teeth! Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear, comfortable aligners to help patients achieve a healthier smile. These customized plastic aligners are completely removable, offering patients an extra measure of freedom and flexibility that they’ll love.
Patient compliance is an essential part of Invisalign treatment—the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the orthodontic process. They’re also designed to be switched out with the next aligner in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movement of the teeth. When worn as directed, Invisalign is as efficient as braces at treating the most common orthodontic issues.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance for a reason—they have a proven track record of successfully correcting a variety of orthodontic issues. Though they’ve been around for a long time now, braces have undergone a major makeover in recent years to become far more comfortable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing than ever before! Metal braces are one of our most cost-efficient options and can be particularly useful in cases that are complex or severe.
Clear braces
Sometimes called ceramic braces, these function in the same way metal braces do but come with the added benefit of clear brackets. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored bands, they’re an incredibly subtle way to straighten the teeth! Because they’re far less visible than their metal counterparts, clear braces are popular with teens and adults who tend to be more image-conscious. Ceramic brackets are slightly larger and a bit more brittle than the metal ones, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth.
Get the smile you deserve with Petrunic Orthodontics
Every treatment option will have its own list of pros and cons, and not every treatment will be suitable for every patient. Working with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Petrunic guarantees you’ll receive only the best treatment for your unique smile!
If you’ve been waiting a lifetime to take the first step towards a healthier smile, the last thing you want is cookie-cutter treatment. Our team creates individualized treatment plans for each patient, building a plan that’s based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Our goal is to give you a rewarding and stress-free experience, from your first visit to your last. We want you to feel right at home from the moment you walk through our door and work hard to provide patients with a warm and welcoming environment.
Are you ready to get started on the confident smile you deserve? Get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation at our Prattville office!