Adult Ortho Treatment in Little Rock & Jacksonville, AR

At Ashcraft Orthodontics, we are starting to treat more and more adult orthodontic patients due to the new advancements in more discreet orthodontic appliances. A rejuvenated smile can be achieved at any age, and Dr. Michael Ashcraft is dedicated to helping his adult patients obtain the desired appearance of their smile with restored functionality. For a few reasons, adult orthodontic treatments require a certain level of expertise since the jaw is fully developed. At our Little Rock and Jacksonville, AR facilities, Dr. Ashcraft will provide a thorough consultation to determine which orthodontic treatments are ideal for you. Contact Ashcraft Orthodontics today to receive your customized procedure plan by experienced orthodontist Dr. Ashcraft.

There are two main factors that make adult orthodontic treatments different from those of younger patients. The first is that in adult patients, the jaw is fully developed so that changes in jaw structure are not possible with just an orthodontic appliance. Additionally, periodontal (gum) disease is much more common in adult patients. When gum health is not optimal, it can cause bone loss, which greatly affects the success of an orthodontic procedure. Prior to recommending any type of treatment, Dr. Ashcraft will need to assess your overall oral health in order to decide if any additional procedures may be needed before orthodontic treatment.

There are several orthodontic appliances available for adult patients in order to properly realign their smile. After taking digital and/or physical impressions, Dr. Ashcraft can provide you with custom orthodontic care. Depending upon your professional and personal lifestyles, he can help you decide which appliance will be ideal for you. At Ashcraft Orthodontics, we offer several common treatments for adult orthodontic patients, including:

• Traditional metal braces: A thin wire that runs through brackets (connected to your teeth) and is attached on either end to metal bands that go around a back molar
• Clear braces: Similar to metal braces except that the brackets are made of a clear material for a more natural appearance
• Clear aligners: A series of removable, clear trays that blend with your natural teeth and are worn for about 22 hours per day to gradually shift your smile into alignment

In all cases, orthodontic treatments will involve many appointments to our practice. After your initial consultation, Dr. Ashcraft will be able to give you a better estimate of the total amount that your orthodontic appliance will need to be worn. Additionally, it is essential that you stick to a proper oral care routine and continue to attend regular dental exams and cleaning. Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, Dr. Ashcraft may recommend a retainer in order to help you maintain your results. Throughout your treatment, our experienced dental team will be available to answer any questions that you may have regarding your orthodontic care.

Some or all of your orthodontic treatment may be covered by your insurance provider, depending on your specific plan. Once your personalized treatment plan has been created, Dr. Ashcraft will be better able to determine your out-of-pocket costs. A member of our financial team will also be able to give you more information on the payment methods we accept and tell you about your financial planning options.

It is never too late to get the smile that you desire. At Ashcraft Orthodontics, experienced orthodontist Dr. Michael Ashcraft and his team will create an individualized treatment plan to help you get your wanted outcome. To learn more or to schedule your initial consultation, contact us in Little Rock or Jacksonville, AR today.