Embrace a Straighter Smile at Any Age
It’s never too late to achieve the smile of your dreams! Adult orthodontic treatments are more popular than ever, offering a range of discreet, effective options that seamlessly fit into your lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth, boost self-confidence, or improve your oral health, modern solutions make it easier than ever.
At Katz Orthodontics, Dr. Mark Katz and the dental team proudly serve patients in Greensboro, Eden, and surrounding areas, including High Point, Reidsville, and Summerfield. Contact us today at (336) 286-5800 (Greensboro) or (336) 627-1537 (Eden) to schedule your consultation!
Why More Adults Are Choosing Orthodontic Care
Adult orthodontics offers numerous benefits beyond aesthetics. Straightening your teeth can enhance your health by addressing bite problems, preventing tooth decay, and improving proper alignment. Unlike child orthodontics, adult treatment requires a customized approach due to fully developed jaw structures and a higher prevalence of gum disease.
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, but maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial during treatment to prevent periodontal disease. Before beginning your orthodontic journey, we’ll confirm your gums are healthy to support long-term success.
Innovative Orthodontic Treatment Options
We understand that adults seek orthodontic care that blends effortlessly into their daily routines. That’s why we offer a range of advanced orthodontic solutions suited to your needs:
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces remain a trusted option for correcting severe orthodontic problems. These durable braces feature small metal brackets and wires that effectively move teeth into alignment.
Clear Braces (Ceramic Braces)
Prefer a less noticeable option? Clear braces use brackets made from ceramic or plastic, offering a subtler alternative to metal braces. While they’re effective, extra care is needed to avoid breakage.
Clear Aligners
Invisible aligners, such as Invisalign®, provide a virtually invisible option for adults. These removable trays gently shift your teeth over time and allow you to maintain proper oral hygiene easily. They’re perfect for busy professionals seeking convenience and flexibility.
The Importance of Retainers After Treatment
Your orthodontic journey doesn’t end once your braces or aligners come off. Wearing a retainer is essential to preserve your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. We’ll guide you through proper retainer use to ensure your results last a lifetime.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It’s virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth. Best of all, the aligners are removable, so you can still enjoy your favorite foods without having to limit your diet.
Clearly Different
The Invisalign System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with 100-year-old science of orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by your orthodontist. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan.Your first step is to visit our office to determine if Invisalign is right for you. After sending precise treatment instructions, Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions into a sequence of finely calibrated aligners—as few as 12 or as many as 48. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually—week by week—until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you’ll be smiling like you never have before!
If you want to learn more about Invisalign and how it works, please visit the Invisalign homepage.
To ensure the best possible results, only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign. Invisalign is not intended for children and is not appropriate for every adult. Only an orthodontist can determine if this treatment is an effective option for you. To see if Invisalign can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, contact us to make an appointment.
AcceleDent
If you would like to improve your smile without spending months or years in braces, we recommend AcceleDent®. AcceleDent can decrease treatment time. The appliance is simple and pain-free. Best of all, using AcceleDent, you can obtain a beautiful, straight smile in no time at all!
How does AcceleDent work?
AcceleDent accelerates tooth movement. You will use this light, comfortable, and hands-free device for just 5 minutes a day. AcceleDent uses innovative technology to generate small vibrations to the teeth and surrounding bone, which helps teeth to move more freely. AcceleDent has been FDA approved and is completely safe. While wearing the appliance, you may feel a light tingling sensation, similar to the vibration of an electric toothbrush, but the feeling should subside as you get used to wearing it.
Advantages of AcceleDent
- AcceleDent is an ideal treatment option for teens and adults and is completely safe.
- The appliance is lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- Since AcceleDent is hands-free you can wear it while reading, listening to music, or viewing your favorite television show.
- Using AcceleDent, you can obtain an attractive smile faster without sacrificing aesthetics!
Damon Braces
What Makes the Damon Braces System Different?
Tie-less braces that don’t need to be “tightened” and are gentle to the teeth and tissues.
High-technology, memory-shape wires that quickly move teeth and require fewer adjustment.
A clinically proven treatment approach that aligns teeth and enhances facial aesthetics—usually without extractions or rapid palatal expanders. Unlike traditional braces, Damon Braces use slide brackets that are attached to a memory wire. This innovative solution improves comfort by reducing pressure.
Beautiful Faces and Beautiful Smiles
The Damon® System employs a unique treatment philosophy that goes beyond straight teeth to create broad, beautiful smiles. We take into account each patient’s face, profile, and other factors, anticipating what patients will look like in their 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Outstanding Comfort
The days of having braces tightened are over. The Damon® System uses tie-less brackets that reduce the pressure on your teeth, allowing them to move more comfortably to their correct positions. This innovative approach to orthodontics ensures greater comfort throughout treatment.
For People of All Ages
Straight teeth and a beautiful smile can enhance self-esteem and self-confidence at any age, plus improve overall oral health. Ask your orthodontist how you can benefit from the ever too late to look and feel great.
Clinically Proven Advantages
- Extraordinary results for smiles and faces
- Outstanding comfort with no tightening
- Easy to keep clean
Damon Video
Damon® Q Braces
In an effort to provide our patients with the very latest in orthodontics, we are proud to offer new Damon® Q braces: the all-new, all-metal, self-ligating braces system that goes above and beyond to increase patient comfort and reduce overall treatment time while straightening your teeth.
Damon® Q represents the latest advances to the revolutionary Damon® self-ligating braces system, featuring brackets made entirely of high-grade stainless steel, making them strong and extremely durable. The brackets also have smoother, more rounded corners to help provide greater comfort for the patient and to appear even less noticeable than normal Damon® braces! Damon® Q braces feature removable positioning gauges to help ensure your orthodontist places the brackets in the perfect position to give you a great-looking smile! If you want a beautiful smile with the least amount of treatment time, please contact us for more information on the latest revolution in self-ligating braces: Damon® Q!
Damon® Clear Brackets
More than Meets the Eye
Introducing Damon® Clear—the passive self-ligating bracket whose beauty is more than skin deep. Damon® Clear combines the look and comfort image-conscious patients demand with the strength and functionality discriminating clinicians need. Validated by multi-site in vivo studies and third-party university research, Damon® Clear is more than meets the eye.
- Completely aesthetic passive self-ligation bracket with unparalleled design
- Polycrystalline alumina (PCA) material is resistant to staining from coffee, mustard, red wine, and other agents.
- Eliminates the need for elastomerics, which stain and collect bacteria during treatment.
- Advanced passive self-ligation technology with low ligation force, minimizing frictional resistance for more efficient tooth movement
Retainers
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
Essix Retainers
The Essix retainer is a transparent removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of teeth. Similar to Invisalign® trays, Essix retainers have no wires. They are inexpensive and easier to wear. They can be used for other treatments as well, including tooth movement and bridges.
Lingual Retainers
Bonded lingual retainers are cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower canines (eye teeth). This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting, as it is permanently attached! Patients with bonded lingual retainers must be careful with their bite, as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. As with removable retainers, it is important to keep them clean. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire.
Hawley Retainers
The Hawley retainer, one of the most common types, is a removable retainer made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic and is designed to keep your teeth in place. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth so that it fits snugly and comfortably in the roof of your mouth, while any wire or acrylic framing keeps your teeth in perfect position. The acrylic can also be personalized with a large number of colors and/or patterns.
Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty associated with chewing, talking, sleeping, and other routine activities. Orthognathic surgery corrects these problems and, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, will improve the overall appearance of the facial profile.
Using the latest in digital imaging technology, we will demonstrate the overall functional and aesthetic benefits of orthognathic surgery. Computerized treatment planning minimizes treatment times, recovery periods, and the overall efficacy of your surgery. State-of-the-art materials such as titanium plates and miniature screws provide stability, strength, and predictability to your treatment. These advances in technology, procedures, and equipment reduce post-surgical recovery time, thus allowing patients to return to their normal routines soon after the surgery.
Orthognathic surgery may be unnecessary if orthodontic treatment can correct the problem. With the latest advances in orthodontics, this is sometimes the case. We will determine if orthognathic surgery is the correct treatment option for you. If so, Dr. Katz can provide pre-surgical services and refer you to an oral surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adult Orthodontic Treatment As Effective as Child Orthodontics?
Yes! While adults can’t leverage jaw growth for structural changes, modern orthodontics is highly effective for correcting misaligned teeth, bite problems, and other dental issues.
What Are the Benefits of Clear Aligners for Adults?
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are virtually invisible, removable for eating and cleaning, and designed for maximum comfort. They’re a popular choice for adults seeking orthodontic care with minimal impact on their lifestyle.
Can Gum Disease Affect Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes. Gum disease must be treated before starting orthodontics to create a healthy foundation for your teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental cleanings during treatment is critical.
How Should I Care for My Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners are easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your aligners:
- Rinse your aligners and your teeth before reinserting the trays.
- Place your aligners in a protective case when you’re not wearing them.
- Brush your teeth and your aligners in the morning.
- Soak your Invisalign once a day.
While Invisalign treatment requires little maintenance, following the above-mentioned guidelines will ensure you avoid damaging your trays and get the most out of your treatment.
Is Everyone a Candidate for Invisalign?
Even though millions of people have straightened their teeth with the Invisalign system, it’s best suited for patients with mild to moderate tooth misalignment. It can also fix overcrowded teeth, gapped teeth, overbite/underbite, and crossbite—for some patients, it can even improve the shape of your teeth.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, schedule a consultation with Dr. Katz by contacting our Greensboro office by calling (336) 286-5800 or our Eden office at (336) 627-1537. During your consultation, he can evaluate your oral health and determine an appropriate treatment plan for you.
Is Invisalign Painful?
When you swap out your trays every two weeks, you may feel some discomfort for the first few days. This is because the new trays are working to gradually shift your teeth into the proper position. As your teeth adjust to the new trays, any discomfort will fade quickly.
What if I Lose, Break, or Damage an Aligner? What Should I Do?
If you lose, break, or damage an aligner, be sure to contact our office immediately. We’ll contact the lab to order you a replacement set so you can stay on track with your treatment plan.
In the meantime, you can use your previous set of aligners to ensure your teeth aren’t shifting out of place. Don’t try to fix the aligners at home, as this typically doesn’t work and may only set you back on your projected treatment time.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Orthognathic Surgery?
The initial healing period following the procedure typically takes about 6 weeks. It may take up to 12 weeks for your mouth to heal completely, and the entire process, including braces, may take a few years to complete.
Is Orthognathic Surgery Plastic Surgery?
No—orthognathic surgery is a type of medical surgery. It’s typically restorative in nature; therefore, insurance may cover a portion of the expenses. We suggest contacting your insurance provider for specific details on your coverage. If there are any questions we can answer, don’t hesitate to contact our Greensboro office by calling (336) 286-5800 or our Eden office at (336) 627-1537, and a knowledgeable team member will be happy to assist you.
How Long Does Orthognathic Surgery Take?
The surgery usually takes one to two hours for a single procedure. If you require multiple procedures, the surgery can take three or four hours. Your oral surgeon will let you know in advance how long your surgery will take so you can plan for it. Some people may also need to stay in the hospital for one to two days after their surgery to recover. The amount of time you’ll need to heal depends on your surgery and the amount of jaw correction you need.
What Should I Avoid Following Orthognathic Surgery?
After your orthognathic surgery, you’ll want to follow a few guidelines to ensure proper healing. In addition to any recommendations given by your oral surgeon, you’ll want to:
- Avoid blowing your nose for 2 weeks.
- Refrain from spitting and smoking for 3 weeks.
- Keep your tongue away from the surgical site.
- Avoid
abrasive food such as nuts, popcorn, and seeds.
For at least the first 10 days, your diet will consist of blended foods and liquids, so you’ll want to be sure to have a blender on hand. It’ll be easier to stick to your diet with meal planning and measuring your intake to ensure you’re getting enough calories.
Orthodontic Appliances for Adults
In-Office Lab
Our in-office laboratory expedites the process of creating appliances and allows us to serve you in a more efficient manner.
Our lab produces aesthetic appliances. After our dentists provide an impression or mold of the patient’s teeth, one of our laboratory technicians creates a model of the patient’s mouth using plaster molds. The technician then places the model in a device that replicates the bite and movement of the patient’s jaw. The final cast duplicates the exact shape, size, and color of the original tooth or teeth. This model serves as the basis for producing the required appliance(s).
TADs
One of the many important advances in orthodontics has been the development of temporary anchorage devices, or TADs. Made of a biocompatible titanium alloy, TADs are miniscrew anchors that are inserted into specific places in the mouth to be used as a fixed point from which teeth can move. Before TADs, orthodontists who wanted to move some teeth while keeping others still, or to achieve orthodontic movement in a mouth with missing teeth, had to rely on headgear for their fixed point. But TADs now provide an option for that fixed point that is smaller, more discrete, more efficient, and requires significantly less work for the patient.
Temporary anchorage devices may not be recommended for everyone, and in fact, anchorage devices at all may not be needed in all cases. Contact us if you’d like to know more about TADs and how they can potentially prevent you from needing orthodontic headgear.
Digital Imaging
We offer one of the latest technological advances in orthodontics with digital radiography, also known as digital X-rays. A wireless sensor is placed in the mouth, and a computer generates an image in 30 seconds as opposed to the general 4-6 minute wait time for images taken on dental film. These X-rays can also be enhanced on the computer and enlarged.
Not only are they friendly to the environment, but they are also much safer than traditional X-rays. Digital radiographs reduce a patient’s radiation exposure by 90 percent!
Interproximal Recontouring
Interproximal recontouring refers to a procedure in which Dr. Katz will reshape your teeth by sculpting the sides of the teeth. This can correct cracked, chipped, crooked, or misaligned teeth. Along with braces or Invisalign, interproximal recontouring may be used to correct misaligned teeth during your treatment, or change the shape of your teeth at the end of treatment to enhance your smile!
Start Your Journey to a Confident Smile Today!
Don’t let crooked teeth or bite issues hold you back. Katz Orthodontics is here to help you achieve a radiant, healthier smile with advanced adult orthodontic treatments. Call us today at (336) 286-5800 (Greensboro) or (336) 627-1537 (Eden) to book your consultation.
We proudly serve Greensboro, Eden, Summerfield, Reidsville, High Point, and anywhere in the Piedmont Triad Area
Achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!
Call (336) 286-5800 to schedule your adult orthodontic consultation at Katz Orthodontics in Greensboro, NC.
