Adult Orthodontics in Charlotte, NC

Modern Orthodontic Options for Adults

The field of adult orthodontics has evolved tremendously, offering Charlotte residents several sophisticated alternatives to traditional metal braces. Today’s orthodontic treatments balance effectiveness with aesthetics, ensuring you can straighten your teeth without feeling self-conscious about your appearance during the process.

Invisalign Treatment in Charlotte

Invisalign has revolutionized adult orthodontics with its virtually invisible approach to teeth straightening. These clear, removable aligners are custom-designed using digital impressions of your teeth, creating a series of trays that gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. The Invisalign system at Imagine Dentistry offers distinct advantages for adult patients, including the ability to remove your aligners for important meetings or special events. This flexibility, combined with the discreet appearance, makes Invisalign particularly popular among professionals concerned about their image during treatment.

Ceramic Braces for Adults

For cases requiring more substantial correction, ceramic braces provide a less noticeable alternative to traditional metal brackets. These braces utilize tooth-colored or clear components that blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color, making them significantly less conspicuous. Dr. Coambs can determine if ceramic bracket options would be appropriate for your specific orthodontic needs, offering a balance between the strength of traditional braces and improved aesthetics for image-conscious adults.

Traditional Metal Braces

While many adults prefer less visible options, modern metal braces remain significantly smaller and more comfortable than older versions. These traditional braces still offer the most comprehensive approach for complex alignment issues and might be recommended in certain cases where maximum control over tooth movement is necessary. During your orthodontic consultation at Imagine Dentistry, we will discuss whether this option might be best suited for your particular needs.

Benefits of Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Choosing to pursue orthodontic treatment as an adult delivers advantages that extend far beyond cosmetic improvements. The benefits reach into multiple aspects of your oral and overall health.

Improved Oral Health

Properly aligned teeth are simply easier to clean. When teeth overlap or crowd each other, they create difficult-to-reach spaces where bacteria and food particles accumulate. By correcting misalignment, orthodontic treatment helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health complications. This preventive aspect often makes teeth straightening treatments a wise investment in your long-term dental health.

Bite Correction and TMJ Relief

Misaligned teeth frequently contribute to improper bite patterns that can cause jaw pain, headaches, and premature wear on your teeth. Adult orthodontic treatment addresses these functional issues by correcting your bite, potentially alleviating TMJ symptoms and creating more balanced pressure distribution when you chew. Dr. Boucher’s training in TMJ disorders through The Dawson Academy makes Imagine Dentistry particularly well-equipped to address these complex issues.

Boosted Confidence

Many adults who have spent years feeling self-conscious about their smiles report significant improvements in their social and professional confidence after orthodontic treatment. The psychological benefits of no longer hiding your smile or worrying about your teeth during important interactions shouldn’t be underestimated. Charlotte professionals often find that orthodontic treatment delivers returns in both personal and professional settings.

The Adult Orthodontic Treatment Process

Understanding what to expect throughout your orthodontic journey helps you prepare for this investment in your oral health and appearance.

Comprehensive Consultation

Adult orthodontic treatment at Imagine Dentistry begins with a thorough evaluation. During this initial appointment, we will examine your teeth, jaw relationship, and overall oral health. Digital imaging provides detailed information about tooth positioning and helps visualize the expected outcome of your treatment. This consultation also provides an opportunity to discuss your specific concerns, timeline expectations, and preferred treatment approaches.

Custom Treatment Planning

Adult orthodontic care cannot follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Each treatment plan at Imagine Dentistry is customized to address your specific needs, taking into account factors like severity of misalignment, lifestyle considerations, and desired outcomes. We will present treatment options with clear explanations of the processes, expected timeframes, and cost considerations for each approach.

Treatment Implementation and Monitoring

Whether you choose Invisalign, ceramic braces, or another option, your treatment will involve regular monitoring appointments at Imagine Dentistry’s Charlotte office. These check-ins allow us to verify that your teeth are moving according to plan and make any necessary adjustments. Adult patients appreciate the convenient appointment times offered Tuesday through Friday, including early morning options starting at 7:00 AM that minimize disruption to professional schedules.

Retention Phase

After active orthodontic treatment concludes, the retention phase begins. This crucial step prevents teeth from shifting back toward their original positions. We will recommend either removable retainers or permanent retainers based on your specific case, ensuring your investment in orthodontic treatment delivers lasting results.

Financial Considerations for Adult Orthodontics

Many adults delay needed orthodontic treatment due to concerns about costs, but several options make treatment more accessible than you might expect.

Insurance Coverage

Dental insurance coverage for adult orthodontics varies significantly between plans. The team at Imagine Dentistry works with most dental insurance providers and can help maximize your benefits for orthodontic treatment. Their experienced staff will verify your coverage and explain exactly what portion of your treatment may be covered before you begin.

Payment Options

Understanding that orthodontic treatment represents a significant investment, Imagine Dentistry provides flexible payment options to accommodate different financial situations. Monthly payment plans can distribute the cost of treatment over time, making it more manageable for many patients. Additionally, financing through CareCredit allows qualified patients to pursue treatment with convenient payment arrangements.

Experience Professional Orthodontic Care in Charlotte

Achieving the straight, healthy smile you deserve is possible at any age with the right professional partnership. At Imagine Dentistry, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs and Dr. Shelli Boucher bring decades of experience and extensive training to every adult orthodontic case. Dr. Coambs’ recognition as a Charlotte Magazine Top Dentist for seven consecutive years reflects her commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction.

Take the first step toward improving your smile and oral health today by scheduling an orthodontic consultation. The Imagine Dentistry team is ready to answer your questions and develop a custom treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Contact Imagine Dentistry at (704) 540-7600 or fill out our contact form.