Offering adult orthodontics in Greenville, SC
Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. At any age, the biological process of tooth movement is the same in adults and children. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure (periodontium) are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. A new smile can begin today!
Why should malocclusions be treated?
Orthodontic treatment at any age can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite (malocclusions) can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain. Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping and trauma. Crossbites can result in bite problems, TMD symptoms, and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile — it creates a healthier you!
Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent “clear” braces or transparent aligners that can be worn to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth. As the science of orthodontics has developed gentler wires and more “invisible” braces, more adults are now taking advantage of improving their own bite and smile.
There is an exciting new orthodontic treatment for adults and adolescents called “Wilckodontics” or Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO) that Dr. Hunt, Jr. has brought to our patients that can move the teeth 3-4 times faster than conventional orthodontic treatment. Average treatment times can be anywhere from 3-8 months for completely aligning the teeth and bite. There is not a faster way to move the teeth comprehensively than with the Wilckodontics procedure. AOO combines a periodontal surgical procedure with braces to “stimulate” the bone around the teeth to grow new bone and move the teeth faster. For patients that need periodontal surgical procedures anyway, this technique can be combined with orthodontics to achieve straight teeth while making the periodontium healthier. This technique can be used for specific teeth or the entire mouth depending on the goal of treatment. Dr. Hunt, Jr. is the first orthodontist in upstate South Carolina to be trained and licensed to provide this exciting therapy for our patients. A consultation with Dr. Hunt, Jr. will allow him to evaluate if AOO is right for you.
Whether you are considering orthodontic care to enhance your appearance, or to correct a poor bite that has contributed to dental or jaw problems, we’d love to talk with you about the benefits of adult orthodontics.
After the initial examination and diagnostic records, the Doctor Hunt will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. At your consultation, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected, and financial arrangements.
A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset — THEIR SMILE!
Contact our Greenville, SC Orthodontic Office to learn more about adult orthodontics.