For Adults

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. Twenty percent of patients in orthodontic treatment are adults. The American Association of Orthodontics estimates that approximately 1,000,000 adults in the United States are receiving treatment from orthodontists. Today, orthodontic treatment is a viable option for almost any adult.

You'll be pleased to learn that orthodontic treatment will fit in with your current lifestyle. Dr. Coakley offers clear ceramic braces and Invisalign® invisible braces as alternatives to traditional metal braces. Dr. Coakley is a premier provider of Invisalign; a designation reserved for the top five percent of Orthodontists nationwide. We understand that each patient is unique and has different needs. In order to deliver the best results, we tailor each treatment plan to the specific needs of the individual patient.

Frequently asked questions about adult orthodontics:

Will Invisalign work for me?

Not only is Invisalign versatile, helping to correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues, but it really works. And there are over half a million smiles to back that up. But a confident smile isn't the only benefit of correcting your dental issues with custom-made Invisalign aligners—your health can be positively impacted as well.

My teeth have been crooked for many years - why should I have orthodontic treatment now?

It's never too late! Orthodontic treatment, when indicated, is a positive step—especially for adults who have endured a long-standing problem. Orthodontic treatment can restore good function. And teeth that work better usually look better, too. A healthy, beautiful smile can improve self-esteem, no matter the age.

Can orthodontic treatment do for me what it does for children?

Yes. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children. Orthodontic forces move the teeth in the same way for both adults and children, but adult treatment may take longer due to the maturity of the bone. Complicating factors, such as lack of jaw growth, may create different treatment planning needs for the adult. This is why a consultation with an orthodontist, the dental specialist who aligns teeth and jaws of patients of all ages, is essential.

Is orthodontic treatment affordable?

Patients are finding that braces are more affordable today than ever. The cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on many factors, including the severity of the problem, its complexity and the length of treatment. Dr. Coakley will be glad to discuss a variety of convenient payment plans with you before treatment begins. Dollar for dollar, when you consider the lifetime benefits of orthodontics it is truly a great value.

I see ads for perfect teeth in only one or two visits to the dentist. Will that give me straight teeth?

Crooked teeth should be evaluated by an orthodontist so that the most appropriate treatment plan can be suggested.

My family dentist said I need to have some missing teeth replaced, but I need orthodontic treatment first - why?

Your dentist is probably recommending orthodontics so that he or she might treat you in the best manner possible to bring you to optimal dental health. Many complicated tooth restorations, such as crowns, bridges and implants, can be best accomplished when the remaining teeth are properly aligned and the bite is correct.

When permanent teeth are lost, it is common for the remaining teeth to drift, tip or shift. This movement can create a poor bite and uneven spacing that cannot be restored properly unless the missing teeth are replaced. Tipped teeth usually need to be straightened so they can withstand normal biting pressures in the future.

What dental problems can braces address?

It is well recognized that when left untreated, many orthodontic problems may become worse. When you have a malocclusion ("bad bite"), your teeth may be crowded, excessively spaced or may not fit together correctly. Such conditions may lead to dental health problems. Crowded teeth are hard to clean and, given time, may contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. Bad bites can also result in abnormal wearing of tooth surfaces, difficulty chewing and damage to supporting bone and gum tissue. Poorly aligned teeth can contribute to pain in the jaw joints. Orthodontics can help address all of these problems.

I have painful jaw muscles and jaw joints - can an orthodontist help?

One of the problems commonly associated with jaw muscle and jaw joint discomfort is bruxing, that is, habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, particularly at night. Bruxism is a muscle habit pattern that can cause severe wearing of the teeth, and overloading and trauma to the jaw joint structures. Chronically or acutely sore and painful jaw muscles may accompany the bruxing habit. Dr. Coakley can help diagnose this problem. He may place a bite splint or nightguard appliance that can protect the teeth and help jaw muscles relax, substantially reducing the original pain symptoms.