It’s Never Too Late for a Straighter Smile
There are many reasons why a person may defer orthodontic treatment until adulthood. However, if you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile or experience discomfort due to teeth misalignment, there’s no reason to continue putting off the procedure. Our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Kenneth Banasiak, offers adult orthodontics in Basking Ridge and Mendham to help you achieve straighter, better-functioning teeth and a more beautiful smile.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Adults
We recognize that adults have unique needs and goals, including the desire for discreet treatment. We can tailor your orthodontic care to best suit your lifestyle. Don’t wait any longer for the smile of your dreams; contact our practice today for a complimentary initial consultation.
Do I Need Orthodontic Treatment?
The most common reasons for undergoing adult orthodontic treatment are to enhance the cosmetic appearance of the teeth, address functional concerns, or do both. Many people experience discomfort when eating, speaking, or biting normally because of misaligned teeth. Braces and other teeth straighteners can help address these issues and achieve a balanced smile in harmony with your facial features.
Orthodontics may be right for you if you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, crowding, gaps, or other issues. Dr. Banasiak can evaluate your oral structures and determine whether orthodontia is right for you and which procedure offers the best approach.
In some cases, orthodontics is necessary for preparing for orthognathic (jaw) surgery. If you have been told or think you may need jaw surgery, we can help determine the appropriate timing for orthodontia to help ensure optimal results. Orthognathic surgery is sometimes used in cases of unbalanced facial appearance, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain, facial injuries, and severe bite problems. When assessing your bite (occlusion), we will inform you if surgery may be recommended and what steps should be taken to reduce the orthodontic treatment time, enhance your outcome, and make the most of the procedure.
What Are My Options?
Adult orthodontics in Basking Ridge and Mendham has changed dramatically in the last few decades. Many options are available to help achieve a patient’s desired outcome more comfortably and in less time. In addition to traditional braces, we offer a comprehensive range of alternatives that offer greater discretion than ever before. We understand that having visible braces as an adult can make some individuals self-conscious. Invisalign®, ceramic braces, and self-ligating braces are among our many more discreet options.
Furthermore, our customized treatment plans are designed based on your unique anatomic needs (meticulously evaluated by our skilled team) and your personal preferences. We will review each option with you and find the ideal technique together.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) About Adult Orthodontics
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, congratulations! You are investing in your health and well-being as well as your smile. To make this process as easy as possible, our orthodontist has answered some frequently asked questions about adult orthodontics to serve as a helpful resource. We encourage you to schedule a consultation if you want to learn more.
How do adult braces differ from children’s orthodontics?
Some key differences between adult and child orthodontics are age-related concerns (more adults have insufficient bone, gingivitis, and limited space within the mouth.) Adult jaws and oral structures have also finished growing, and the tissues are less malleable than in children.
On the other hand, adults are typically more cooperative when it comes to treatment than children. All these factors are considered when we design an orthodontic program for you. Your teeth, gums, and oral structures will be evaluated, and your cosmetic goals will be identified so we can tailor the procedure to optimize your outcome.
Can teeth be adjusted at any age?
If you’re over seven years old and in good health, you should be able to have orthodontic treatment. More individuals are addressing misalignment (malocclusion) of the teeth than ever before, and nearly 20% of all braces wearers are adults. If you’re dissatisfied with your smile’s appearance or teeth’s function, we can help you reposition your dentofacial anatomy to suit your needs and goals best.
We offer a wide range of advanced methods for straightening teeth as an adult, including discreet and removable options that are more comfortable and effective than you may be used to. We see patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and above!
Are there other options besides traditional metal braces for adults?
Absolutely! In addition to traditional metal braces, patients at our practice have access to self-ligating braces, a form of orthodontics that uses less pressure for greater comfort and often faster results. They also come in clear for a more discreet teeth-straightening experience.
Of course, the most popular option is Invisalign® for adults. This innovative system uses a series of clear aligner trays to gradually shift the teeth into the desired position. The trays are virtually invisible and removable. We can help you determine which techniques are ideal for your program.
Will braces hurt?
Orthodontic appliances have changed a lot over the years, and one of the many benefits of these advances is the improvement in patient comfort. Less pressure, less metal, and the option to have a removable orthodontic system have reduced many patient’s traditional concerns with orthodontics. That said, some minor soreness can occur when traditional metal braces are adjusted or when slipping on a new Invisalign® aligner, but this sensation should pass quickly. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize this effect if desired.
How much do orthodontics cost?
Orthodontic treatment is customized to the needs of each person, so the price of braces can vary dramatically. According to national averages, the cost of orthodontics can range from about $3,000 to around $8,000 depending on the technique used, the length of time for treatment, the complexity of the procedure, and other factors. We will review your orthodontic program’s planned cost so you know what to expect, and our team is flexible to make payments work for our patients. To make braces affordable to as many individuals as possible, we have a selection of payment options, including installment plans, to help bring the cost of smile enhancement into your budget.
Can I just see my dentist for Invisalign® treatment?
Many dentists now offer Invisalign®, but it is essential to understand that this teeth-straightening method is a treatment, not a product to be purchased off the shelf. Orthodontists are specifically trained in moving teeth, whereas dentists have limited knowledge. Dr. Banasiak is board-certified in orthodontics, which means he has extensive training to achieve the best possible result as safely and effectively as possible. Although Invisalign® has in many ways revolutionized this process, obtaining a long-lasting outcome that balances form and function demands the skill and experience that come with being an orthodontist.
The first step to achieving straighter, more beautiful teeth is a small one. Contact us online or call today to learn more about adult orthodontics in Basking Ridge or Mendham to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Banasiak to start your journey towards a straighter, healthier smile. To learn more about our orthodontic options, contact Banasiak & Nettune Orthodontic Associates in Basking Ridge and Mendham, NJ, today for more information.
