Five Signs that it Is Time to See an Orthodontist

Dr. Bob Bryan and the team at Dr. Bob Bryan Orthodontics are specialists in adult orthodontic treatment in Lehigh County, PA. Braces aren’t just for kids or teens anymore. Today, nearly 20 percent of people wearing braces are adults. Less visible options like clear aligner trays and ceramic braces have attracted more adults to the outcome possibilities of orthodontic treatment.

Teeth can change position over time; commonly caused by natural growth, injury, or tongue thrust (a condition where the tongue projects through the front teeth during speech, swallowing, or when the tongue is at rest). Orthodontic treatments are highly effective in treating these issues in addition to the dental malocclusions (the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth) that most people are familiar with.

1. Teeth shift over time.
   If you had braces as a kid and you find that now, as an adult, you need them again, that’s because your teeth shift as you get older, and some people’s teeth move faster and/or more than others. You may be experiencing discomfort caused by a malocclusion, don’t like the look of their misaligned teeth, or want straighter teeth for a new you. Dr. Bob Bryan and the team at Dr. Bob Bryan Orthodontics can help.
2. There are many available treatment options.
   There are many orthodontic treatment options available for adults in Lehigh County, PA.

• Traditional metal braces
• Ceramic braces — often clear or tooth-colored with a clear wire to bind them.
• Lingual braces — adhered behind the teeth rendering them completely invisible.
• Clear aligner systems — like Invisalign; practically invisible and removable for brushing, flossing, and eating.

3. The cost hasn’t changed much.
   Thirty-five years ago, the average cost of orthodontic treatment was approximately $2,000 (about $5,700 now, after adjusting for inflation). That’s analogous to today; the average cost today of traditional braces ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 (depending on your insurance plan’s coverage, choice of provider, and your plan of treatment). Ceramic braces are more costly ($4,000 to $8,000). Lingual braces are by far the most expensive due to material and procedure costs ($8,000 to $10,000). Aligner tray prices, like ceramic braces, fluctuate from$4,000 to $7,500. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to determine if your plan covers the type of treatment you’re choosing. For instance, most insurance companies won’t cover braces for orthodontic patients over the age of 18.

4. Many orthodontists offer a free consultation.
   Many orthodontists today offer a free consultation to determine your treatment options, costs, and length of treatment. Dr. Bob Bryan Orthodontics consultations include photographs, a medical history review, and a panoramic X-ray that gives a full-mouth view.

5. Braces can build your confidence.
   Orthodontic treatment with braces can improve the quality of your smile. Knowing that your dental health will improve with treatment also is a great way to build confidence. After treatment, Dr. Bob Bryan Orthodontics clients leave with a healthy, straight smile!

If you’re an adult looking to restore your sparkling, beautiful smile, consider a visit with Dr. Bob Bryan at Dr. Bob Bryan Orthodontics in Lehigh County, PA. To schedule a consultation with the Dr. Bob Bryan Orthodontics team, call:

Allentown (610) 638-2793

Hamburg (610) 365-4231