In need of braces?
At Hutta Orthodontic Specialists, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional orthodontic care for patients of all ages. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile through personalized orthodontic treatment plans. Whether you are considering braces for your child or yourself, understanding the difference between treatments can help you make an informed decision.
Treatment considerations
When choosing the right treatment plan for you, your child, and your lifestyle, it is important to consider several factors. Child and adult orthodontics have different conditions and priorities; thus, while braces benefit people of all ages, their duration, appearance, upkeep, and cost can vary greatly, making some options ideal for children while others are best suited for adults.
Duration of treatment
A child’s growing jaws and teeth allow for more efficient tooth movement, often leading to shorter treatment times than adults. Orthodontic treatment can harness the natural growth spurts in children to correct jaw and bite issues more effectively. Additionally, early orthodontic intervention in children can also correct problems before they become more complex and challenging to fix. The average duration of child braces and adult braces ranges based on a variety of factors. Fully developed adult teeth and jawbones, combined with adults’ higher bone density, may lead to slower tooth movement. In comparison, treatments for kids may include two-phase care, which uses a variety of appliances over a longer period of time. However, for both children and adults, each situation is completely unique, and treatment times vary based on goals, needs, and treatment plans.
Different desired aesthetics
Children often gravitate toward self-ligating metal braces with colorful wires, brackets, and clips. Not only are these customizable braces more fun and less intimidating for a younger patient, but they are also far more durable. This extra strength is optimal for carefree kids. In contrast, older children and adults often opt for clear braces or aligners. These options are perfect for the adult in social or professional settings, as they are almost invisible.
Maintenance habits and capabilities
One of the biggest differences between children and adults with braces is their ability, or desire, to properly maintain their orthodontic equipment and oral health. For instance, parents often need to supervise and assist with the brushing and flossing process to ensure proper oral hygiene, as brushing with braces can be challenging for kids. Additionally, children are far more likely to eat hard and sticky foods, damaging the braces. Adults, on the other hand, tend to be more diligent with oral hygiene practices and have an easier time adhering to braces-related lifestyle changes.
Cost of child vs. adult braces
The cost of braces, adult orthodontics, and other orthodontic treatments can vary widely, depending on the type of treatment and the patient’s insurance plan.
At Hutta Orthodontic Specialists, our experts work with you and your insurance company to maximize benefits and make treatment as affordable as possible. For out-of-pocket costs, we also offer several financing options, such as in-house financing, a CareCredit medical credit account, and discounts for patients paying in full with cash, check, credit, flex spending, or health savings.
At the end of your initial consultation with a licensed orthodontist, HOS will provide you with a detailed financial estimate and walk you through each associated cost. This estimate will also include any insurance coverage and outline our three different payment and financing options.
Discreet braces for adults
Hutta Orthodontic Specialists offers a wide range of orthodontic services to cater to the diverse needs of our patients—no matter their age. Furthermore, we believe no adult should feel embarrassed for investing in themselves and their smile, which is why we offer discreet treatment options for adults, including clear aligners.
Clear aligners
Our 3D printed, clear aligners are custom-made to fit each individual patient, maximizing their comfort and effectiveness. Aligners are removable for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene, allowing greater flexibility for any adult’s busy lifestyle. They should be worn for 22 hours a day, but with their clear, nearly invisible design and quality plastic, you might even forget you’re wearing them. These are ideal for adults with active social and professional lives who prefer not to draw attention to their orthodontic treatment.
Ideal braces for children
While aligners aren’t exclusively for adults, there are numerous other options for children as well. Hutta Orthodontic Specialists offers Damon Braces and Insignia technology. These braces offer the durability and customization kids often require and prefer.
Damon self-ligating Braces
Damon Braces are a type of self-ligating braces that use a slide mechanism to hold the wire, reducing friction and making tooth movement more efficient. Damon Braces often have shorter treatment times compared to traditional braces and require fewer visits to an orthodontist for adjustments. Additionally, they are more comfortable for kids due to the reduction in pressure on the teeth and children can choose from over 24 clip colors, matching their braces to their unique personalities. Damon Braces are also extremely durable and eliminate the need for less hygienic electrics and metal ties, making oral care even easier for children.
Insignia braces
Insignia braces are customized to fit each patient’s individual dental anatomy using advanced 3D imaging technology. This personalization and reverse-engineered process leads to more accurate and efficient tooth movement, a more comfortable experience, and better outcomes with shorter treatment times. Furthermore, patients are able to choose the color of both the brackets and the elastics, making orthodontic treatment more fun.
However, Insignia braces are not just for children but work for adults, too. In fact, adults wishing to pursue this treatment option can customize the brackets to make them tooth-colored and more discreet.
Benefits of braces
Regardless of your age or orthodontic treatment plan, braces have a multitude of benefits. Braces not only straighten teeth, making them easier to clean and reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease, but can also alleviate issues such as jaw pain and speech difficulties. Addressing these orthodontic complications early can prevent more severe health problems in the future, contributing to long-term oral health. Additionally, correcting misaligned teeth can significantly improve a person’s smile and overall appearance.
Join the Hutta Orthodontic Specialists’ Family
Choosing Hutta Orthodontic Specialists means becoming part of a caring and professional community dedicated to achieving the best orthodontic outcomes by finding the perfect treatment plan for every patient. Our experienced team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure effective and comfortable treatments for any child or adult.
Sign up for a complimentary consultation today!
Ready to take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile? Contact Hutta Orthodontic Specialists today to schedule a complimentary child or adult consultation. Our team will provide a thorough evaluation and discuss the best treatment options tailored to your needs. Join our family and experience the difference that expert orthodontic care can make.