Adult Orthodontics – San Ramon, CA
Mature Smiles Deserve to Look Their Best
At Gale Ranch Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of San Ramon, we may gear most of our services toward children and teenagers. However, when it means realigning teeth and straightening smiles, we are proud to also offer adult orthodontics in San Ramon. Busy professionals who need help improving their appearance can experience one-of-a-kind, personalized attention from our talented team, ensuring smiles appear straighter in the long term. If you are considering adult orthodontics but want to learn more, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Gale Ranch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of San Ramon
for Adult Orthodontics?
- Two Female Orthodontists with Superior Experience
- Traditional Braces & Invisalign Aligners Offered
- Flexible CareCredit Financing Available
Adult vs. Childhood Orthodontic Treatments
What is the difference between orthodontic treatment for adults and children?
Children who wear braces can often see results in 2-3 years, depending on the severity of their initial oral health problem. Their young age means their jaws and teeth are still developing, so nothing is fully integrated and set in place yet. As a result, their oral and facial structures can move more easily during orthodontic treatment.
Although a carefully crafted treatment plan is still provided for adults, the approach may differ slightly because everything (teeth, jaws, bones, etc.) is already in place. This doesn’t mean that orthodontics will be unsuccessful, as fully integrated teeth can still move with enough pressure.
While adults have the option to choose between traditional braces and Invisalign, our orthodontists will offer their recommendation to help you achieve your desired results.
Adult Orthodontic Treatments
Regardless of what you are experiencing (crooked, crowded, gapped teeth, or severe malocclusion), our team at Gale Ranch Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of San Ramon can provide traditional braces or Invisalign Clear Aligners. During a scheduled consultation, our orthodontists will discuss which option will prove most beneficial for your smile.
Traditional Braces
With the help of metal brackets and wires, your teeth will forcibly move in the right direction over time. Each bracket is bonded to the surfaces of your teeth, and then an archwire is threaded through to encourage movement. These braces cannot be removed by anyone other than your orthodontist. The typical timeframe for treatment is 2-3 years, but this can vary depending on the state of your initial smile.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign clear plastic aligners are a more discreet option to traditional braces. Removable and easy to wear, they snap into place and place gentle, continuous pressure on your teeth, moving them into place. Each set is to be worn 20-22 hours a day, and after 2 weeks, you must swap out your existing trays for new ones. This keeps your smile shifting toward its desired destination, which can take an average of 12-18 months.
Understanding the Cost of Adult Orthodontics
Most dental insurance companies that cover orthodontics will pay up to 50% of the total cost. However, each plan is different, so you will need to review your policy before starting treatment. There are often exclusions and exceptions associated with orthodontics, such as age limits or the types of braces covered. Our team will be happy to review your plan and suggest ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs if you find treatment too expensive.