Braces & Invisalign
Orthodontic treatment is the first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile — and at Bigfoot Orthodontics, we are committed to making that step as easy & convenient as possible. As a premier orthodontist serving the Salem, Stayton, Silverton, & Woodburn areas, we offer a variety of orthodontic services to help our patients achieve their dream smile.
We work with patients of all ages and orthodontic conditions — and despite what you may think about orthodontics, many of our patients are adults choosing to revitalize their lives with a beautiful new smile.
More and more adults are discovering that orthodontics isn’t just for kids anymore. We can move healthy teeth at any age, meaning we can help anyone improve their smile — truly, it’s never too late for a beautiful smile! But just why are so many adults choosing to embark on orthodontic treatment?
The truth is, orthodontic treatment is an investment in your best asset, and it can have dramatic effects on your life for years to come. For starters, a straighter, healthier smile is easier to keep clean. Crooked teeth are harder to clean with a toothbrush and floss, meaning that straightening your smile will help to protect your teeth from cavities and decay for a lifetime.
Furthermore, having a smile you’re proud of imparts a boost of confidence, self-esteem, and happiness that radiates through every area of your life. Many adult patients have told us how everything from first dates to presentations at work got easier after achieving a smile they’re truly proud to show off!
In addition to all the benefits of adult orthodontic treatment, achieving a new smile has never been easier. Modern orthodontic treatments are more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than those of the past, and we even offer discreet treatment options so almost no one has to know you’re straightening your teeth.
We’re proud to offer a variety of treatment options for our adult orthodontic patients, including:
Made from high-grade stainless steel, traditional braces are what more people think of when they hear the word “orthodontics.” That said, modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive than ever, making them both a reliable and convenient option for adult orthodontics.
Also called clear braces, these work much the same way as traditional metal braces with one key difference: the brackets are made from a clear ceramic composite material that blends in with the teeth.
Ceramic braces provide a more aesthetically appealing treatment option while still providing the versatility and reliability of traditional options, making them an excellent option for adult patients.
Invisalign do away with metal brackets and wires entirely, instead, they use a series of clear, invisible plastic trays called “aligners” to straighten teeth. Unlike braces, Invisalign fit directly over your teeth, are virtually invisible when worn, and are easy to pop in and out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Invisalign are an excellent, cost-effective alternative to Invisalign, and because they’re almost impossible to see when worn, they’re a hugely popular option for busy adult professionals!
Despite what you may have heard, orthodontic treatment is actually a simple, easy, and generally convenient process — even for busy adults. Modern orthodontic technology has made orthodontic appliances more comfortable, reduced treatment times, and limited the number and frequency of office appointments, making achieving a new smile easier than ever.
The first is that while braces don’t necessarily “hurt,” it’s normal to experience some soreness or discomfort for a few days after you first get your braces, after an appointment, or after switching to a new Invisalign.
This soreness is generally very mild and fades within a few days, and you can use over the counter painkillers like Tylenol to control it if need be. For most patients, however, soreness is virtually a non-issue.
01
03
02
Mild discomfort is normal and usually fades after only a few days.
Adult treatment focuses on realigning the teeth rather than reshaping a developing jaw.
Another difference is that unlike when treating children, we can’t use orthodontic treatment to reshape the jawbones. This is because that the adult jaw has already finished developing and set into place, so we can’t use appliances to manipulate its structural shape.
That said, we can use rubber bands to alter alignment, and generally, we can treat almost any orthodontic problem by realigning the teeth.
Healthy gums help keep adult orthodontic treatment safe and on track.
Finally, it’s important to know that adults are far more prone to gum disease and gingivitis, so we’ll need to be extremely careful of these during treatment.
Gum disease can harm your teeth and derail your treatment, so we’ll need to ensure any signs of periodontal disease are treated before we begin orthodontics. Most patients have nothing to worry about, however, and we can treat any signs of gum disease fairly easily.
No matter who you are or what your age, orthodontic treatment is an exciting journey towards a gorgeous new smile and a completely new you — and if you’re ready to start on that journey, we at Bigfoot Orthodontics are eager to help!
Contact us today with any questions on the adult orthodontic treatment process, or if you’d like to go ahead and get started, just request a consultation using our easy online form. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that’s perfect for you and help you achieve the smile of your dreams!
Salem · Silverton · Stayton · Woodburn
