It’s Never Too Late to Love Your Smile!

Did you know that around 50% of our patients are adults? We’ve designed our office with the comfort of both children and adults in mind. Treatment for adults has become quite popular and we love helping restore the confidence of all of our patients’ smiles, having even done so for patients in their 70s and 80s! Choosing to pursue orthodontic treatment can improve your overall well-being and restore the confidence in your smile, no matter your age. Whether you never received orthodontic treatment in your younger years, or you stopped wearing your retainers, we’re here to help you achieve your dream smile.

Minor Touch Ups With Invisalign

We commonly hear parents of children in our office say that they feel that their teeth are shifting as they age, or that they are shifting because they lost their retainers. Correcting this with Invisalign clear aligners can take as little as 2-3 months in many cases! Due to the limited nature of these cases (sometimes being upper only or lower only treatment) our patients are consistently delighted to find out how affordable this can be. Afterwards we will provide you with a new retainer to maintain the position of your teeth, all included in your limited treatment fee. 

There is no better time to pursue a touch up of your smile than while your child or spouse is in treatment. We’ll be happy to schedule your visits together when possible and you are able to encourage each other as you achieve the stunning smile you desire!

Comprehensive Treatment With Invisalign or Braces

It’s never too late to have the orthodontic treatment you’ve always desired but never had the opportunity to pursue. Dr. Bates is highly experienced in treating adult patients with both braces and Invisalign clear aligners. The complexity of adult treatment can vary based on missing teeth, medical history, and presence of implants or other restorations, but rest assured that you are in good hands. Dr. Bates has even treated many of the dentists he works with in the Lynchburg area!

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult

Smile with Confidence

Peer-reviewed research has shown that a healthy and esthetic smile improves confidence and self-esteem, in addition to giving off the perception of friendliness, professionalism, and overall health, among other perceived qualities. While we don’t love that our society tends to be a bit judgmental, it is a reality that we all have to deal with. Orthodontic treatment as an adult can help correct crooked teeth or spaces and restore self-confidence, leading to an overall improved quality of life.

Improved Dental Health

Well aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, which is of the utmost importance to keeping that smile looking fabulous. Additionally, poorly positioned teeth can lead to an increased risk of wear (i.e. a deep bite) long-term, or even pain in your jaw joints.

Preparation for Dental Restorations

The replacement of missing teeth or restoration of damaged teeth necessitates a proper position of the teeth to be restored. This ensures the long-term success and ideal esthetics of the restorative work to be completed.

Cosmetic restorations such as veneers and implants are best completed when the teeth are positioned to facilitate the proper length/width of the restorations and optimal gingival (gum) heights. Dr. Bates loves to work with his dental colleagues to facilitate excellent restorative outcomes.

Improve TMD Symptoms

TMD symptoms such as pain, popping, and locking of the jaw joints (TMJs) can be debilitating. TMD is a complex and multifactorial condition, involving much more than just your teeth. However the position of the teeth, particularly the second molars, oftentimes is a contributing factor that can be eliminated with orthodontic treatment. Dr. Bates has helped many patients, adults and teens, with TMD symptoms to feel more comfortable and even resolved their discomfort completely in many cases.

Dr. Bates will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and bite to assess if orthodontic treatment can provide any benefit. The most common orthodontic issue he sees in adult patients that contributes to TMD symptoms is improper relationship of the terminal molars (typically second molars) leading to excessive and abnormal force distribution to the jaw joints, particularly during nighttime grinding.

Dr. Bates prefers to treat patients with TMD symptoms with Invisalign and may recommend a splint be worn initially to ensure that orthodontic treatment will be of benefit.