More adults are seeking orthodontic treatment now than at any other time in history, and for good reason. The benefits extend far beyond aesthetics, impacting everything from how you feel in professional settings to your long-term dental health.
Why Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment
People decide to pursue adult orthodontics for all kinds of reasons, and every single one of them is valid. Some adults never had the opportunity for treatment when they were younger due to financial constraints or family circumstances. Others wore braces as teenagers but didn’t wear their retainers consistently, and now their teeth have shifted back.
Then there are the health-driven reasons that really matter. Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to clean properly, which can lead to cavities and gum disease over time. Bite problems can cause excessive wear on your enamel, jaw pain, headaches, and even difficulty chewing. Correcting these issues through orthodontic treatment isn’t vanity—it’s smart preventive care that protects your oral health for decades to come.
Many of our adult patients tell us that fixing their smiles has transformed how they feel in social and professional situations. Confidence is powerful, and when you’re not self-conscious about your teeth, it shows in how you interact with the world.
Treatment Options Designed for Adult Lifestyles
We understand that as an adult, you have different priorities and concerns than a teenager would. You might not love the idea of metal braces in important meetings or family photos. The good news is that modern adult orthodontics offers multiple treatment approaches:
Discreet Treatment Choices
- Clear Aligners: Removable, nearly invisible trays that straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. You can take them out for important presentations, meals, or special occasions.
- Ceramic Braces: Tooth-colored brackets that blend with your natural teeth, providing effective treatment with a more subtle appearance than traditional metal braces.
- Traditional Braces: Still the most efficient option for complex cases, and today’s brackets are smaller and more comfortable than what previous generations experienced.
Dr. McLagan evaluates your specific situation and recommends the treatment option that will deliver the best results for your unique needs. We’re honest about what each approach can accomplish and how it fits into your lifestyle and goals.
What Makes Adult Orthodontics Different
Treating adults requires a different approach than treating children and teenagers. Your bone structure is fully developed, which means teeth sometimes move a bit more slowly than they would in a growing mouth. However, this doesn’t mean treatment takes forever—we’ve completed countless adult cases in very reasonable timeframes.
Adult patients also tend to have more complex dental histories. You might have fillings, crowns, or previous dental work that we need to consider when planning your treatment. Some adults have experienced bone loss due to gum disease or missing teeth, which can affect orthodontic options. Dr. McLagan has the expertise to navigate these complications and create treatment plans that work in conjunction with existing dental work.
The upside? Adults are typically more motivated and compliant than younger patients. You’re investing your own money and time, so you follow instructions carefully and keep your appointments. This dedication often yields excellent results and sometimes even faster treatment than initially anticipated.
Advanced Technology Enhances Your Experience
River Mountain Orthodontics uses cutting-edge technology that makes adult orthodontics more precise and comfortable than ever:
Modern Diagnostic Tools
- iTero Digital Scanner: Creates detailed 3D models of your teeth without uncomfortable traditional impressions. We can also show you a simulation of your future smile using the Invisalign Outcome Simulator Pro, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
- Digital X-rays and 3D Imaging: Give us a complete picture of your dental structure, helping us plan treatment that addresses both aesthetic concerns and functional issues.
- AI Technology: Enhances treatment planning and helps us predict outcomes with remarkable accuracy.
These aren’t just fancy gadgets—they genuinely improve your experience and help Dr. McLagan deliver results that exceed expectations. The precision we achieve with digital tools means fewer adjustments and more predictable outcomes.
Fitting Treatment Into Your Busy Life
We know your schedule is packed with work responsibilities, family commitments, and everything else life throws at you. That’s why we offer same-day appointments when possible and keep adjustment visits efficient. Most appointments take less than an hour, and we work with you to find times that don’t disrupt your schedule.
Our Chattanooga office is designed with adult patients in mind. Free Wi-Fi keeps you connected if you need to check emails during your visit, and our comfortable waiting area makes any brief delays more pleasant. We respect your time and do everything possible to keep appointments running on schedule.
Invest in Your Smile with Flexible Financing
Adult orthodontics is an investment in yourself, and we want to make it accessible. River Mountain Orthodontics offers in-house financing options that let you spread the cost over time in manageable monthly payments. Our team discusses all pricing upfront with no hidden fees or surprises, and we help you find a payment plan that fits comfortably within your budget.
Start Your Journey to a Confident Smile
Dr. Raymond McLagan has transformed smiles for adults throughout Chattanooga, combining orthodontic expertise with a genuine understanding of what matters to adult patients. You deserve to feel confident when you smile, and it’s absolutely not too late to make that happen.
Ready to explore how adult orthodontics can change your life? Contact River Mountain Orthodontics on Hixson Pike today to schedule your consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns, evaluate your smile, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Your best smile is waiting—let’s make it a reality together.
