There comes a point when putting things off starts to feel heavier than just dealing with them. That is what leads many adults in Burlington to finally look into braces. They do this because the timing finally makes sense.
At some point, you stop brushing things off and start wanting them to work the way they’re supposed to. Maybe your bite has always been a little off. Maybe your teeth have shifted more than you expected, or your jaw feels sore from clenching without realizing it. You could just want to do something about the way your smile looks in photos. Adult orthodontic care at Varallo Orthodontics provides an option that makes sense now. Dr. Varallo helps to make this fit real life, and you stay in control of how it moves forward.
Why Adults Are Starting Now
Braces were once something you only thought about in middle school. That is not the case anymore.
Adults often start treatment for very different reasons than teens. The decision tends to come from functionality first. Teeth that are too crowded become harder to floss. A bite that never lined up properly starts wearing down teeth unevenly. Gaps that seemed minor before now affect the way you speak or chew. Some reasons adults in Burlington are choosing to move forward:
- Teeth shifted after childhood braces
- Crowding makes oral hygiene harder
- Gaps, spacing, or missing teeth require alignment before dental work
- Bite issues are causing discomfort or jaw pain
- Appearance changes after years of grinding or clenching
Some people wait because they were never offered treatment as kids. Others had braces already but didn’t wear a retainer or finish treatment before everything was fully corrected. Either way, there is no deadline. There is only what you want to address now.
How to Choose Between Damon Self-Litigating Braces and Invisalign
Adult treatment today is much more flexible than it used to be. You are not locked into one method, and you will not be pushed into something that does not feel realistic. Both metal braces and Invisalign have their place in adult care. What works best for you depends on how your teeth look now, how much movement is needed, and what you are comfortable managing.
Damon Self-Litigating Metal Braces
Braces still offer one of the most reliable ways to correct complex alignment or bite issues. The brackets are smaller than they used to be, and the wire systems apply consistent pressure without being aggressive.
Some people prefer metal braces simply because they do not have to think about them once they are placed. There is no forgetting to wear anything. There are no trays to remove before meals. It becomes part of the routine.
This type of treatment is often faster for more involved cases. If your teeth need to move in different directions at once or your bite needs significant correction, braces might be a better tool.
Invisalign
For adults who want something subtle, Invisalign makes a lot of sense. These clear aligners fit snugly over your teeth and are barely visible during everyday conversations.
They come in sets and are worn for most of the day. You remove them to eat, brush, and floss. As long as they stay in for the recommended number of hours, they can be just as effective as braces for many cases.
People with mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues often do well with Invisalign. If you are someone who can stay on top of wearing them and switching trays as directed, this option gives you more flexibility and privacy.
What the Recommendation Looks Like
The decision is always based on your individual case. There are no one-size-fits-all answers. Your bite is evaluated, your goals are discussed, and your lifestyle is taken into account.
From there, you receive a clear explanation of what each option involves. Not just in terms of results, but what it will take to get there week to week.
How Adult Treatment Fits Into a Busy Life
Getting braces as an adult does not mean stepping away from everything else you manage. You will not be sitting in a waiting room every week or taking time off work for long appointments.
- Treatment is structured around your real life.
- Appointments can happen early in the day before work
- Some adult cases finish in under a year, depending on the amount of movement needed
- You will always know what is happening and what comes next
The level of soreness is usually mild and fades within a couple of days after an adjustment or when switching to a new aligner. Most adults do not find it disruptive. They just work it into their regular care routine and move on.
If something changes or feels off, the office is responsive. You are not left wondering what to do or waiting weeks to get clarity. That support makes a difference.
Age Is Not a Barrier
Adults often assume orthodontic care is off the table after a certain point. It never is. You can shift teeth in your 30s, 40s, 60s, and beyond. The bone still responds to movement. What matters is that the teeth and gums are healthy enough to support it.
Some patients want to prep for a future dental procedure, like an implant. Others want to fix crowding before it leads to more serious wear or decay. Many simply want to stop feeling uncomfortable every time they look in the mirror.
The motivation does not have to be dramatic. You do not need to justify why it matters to anyone else. If something feels like it needs attention, that is enough. You are not too old. You did not miss the window. If the timing works better now, then now is the right time.
What Can You Expect When You Start?
Your consultation gives you a full overview without pressure or vague answers. Everything starts with a scan and a conversation. You will talk through what you are noticing, what you want to fix, and what concerns you have about treatment. From there, you will receive:
- A full explanation of what is going on with your teeth and bite
- Clear treatment options with pros, cons, and cost details
- A rough timeline for how long it will take and how often you will come in
You will not be pushed to decide right away. You can take the information and think it through. If and when you are ready, the office will be ready too.
Start When You Are Ready
Braces do not have to be a major production. They can be a quiet choice you make to feel better, function better, and move through your day without that one nagging thing in the back of your mind. If your bite is uncomfortable, if your teeth are shifting, or if brushing feels more frustrating than it should, you do not have to keep working around it.
Varallo Orthodontics offers adult orthodontic treatment in both Burlington and Arlington. Dr. Varallo will walk through everything with you during your free consultation so you understand exactly what is possible and what it would take to get there.