13945 Panther Dr.Dewitt, MI 48820
(517) 669-5833
5238 W St. Joseph Hwy., #1Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 321-4375
If you’re like most people, when you hear about orthodontics, the first thing you think of is a teenager with a mouth full of metal braces. This common misconception may lead you to wonder “am I too old for braces?” While many orthodontic patients are, in fact, teens, treatment can have a multitude of benefits for patients of all ages, including adults! About 1 in every 5 current orthodontic patients is actually over the age of 18!
If you’ve spent your life being unsatisfied with your smile or worried about the way your teeth look and feel, now is the time to discover how orthodontics can help you. Here at Grubaugh Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a variety of treatment options to correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
You’re never too old to improve your oral health and straighten your smile! To find out more about what orthodontics really is and how it can help you improve your smile and your health, keep reading below.
Orthodontics is a specialty in the field of dentistry. An orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone additional education and training in order to gain the expertise needed to successfully straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaws, and improve the overall function of the mouth.
Generally speaking, orthodontists focus on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. When issues such as these are left untreated, they can worsen over time, leading to less than desirable consequences. The wear and tear caused to the teeth, gum tissue, and bone may cause pain in the face and neck, headaches, and even difficulties with chewing or speaking. A trained and experienced orthodontist like Dr. Grubaugh will be able to identify, diagnose and treat these issues, improving both the function and appearance of your smile!
Oftentimes, as we get older, we learn more about our health, and how everything is connected, including our oral health. This can lead many adults to seek out dental or orthodontic treatment to better care for their mouth, teeth, and gums.
It’s also common to see adults who started orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but weren’t able to complete it. Touch-up treatment is also popular! Teeth that have previously been straightened can sometimes shift later in life, due to age, genetics, or improper use of retainers. In these cases, we can monitor the teeth, provide new retainers, or even retreat with braces or clear aligner therapy.
Some adults have never explored orthodontic treatment, and are just looking to improve the cosmetic appearance of their smile. The boost in confidence and self-esteem that comes with a great smile can have many positive effects in a person’s life, both personally and professionally.
No matter your reason for starting your orthodontic journey, the team at Grubaugh Orthodontics is here to support you along the way. You have more options than ever before and our expert team is ready to help you find the one that best suits your smile!
Metal braces
Here at Grubaugh Orthodontics, Dr. Grubaugh is excited to offer new, state of the art options for patients who choose metal braces for their orthodontic treatment. The Damon System is a scientifically-proven method of straightening teeth. This system uses a series of self-ligating brackets held in place by a built-in metal “door”. This completely wipes out the need for rubber bands and elastic ties, which can cause additional friction in the mouth.
Another unique option for traditional braces treatment is Insignia Custom Braces. We believe that your smile is as unique as your fingerprint! The Insignia system is completely computerized and combines digital treatment planning with custom brackets and wires tailored to your individual dental anatomy. This means fewer office visits and exception comfort throughout your treatment!
Clear braces
Otherwise known as ceramic or tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces, clear braces function much the same way as metal braces do, with the added benefit of being nearly invisible. Damon specifically designed brackets that are less-noticeable for patients who want a more discreet way to straighten their smile.
Damon clear brackets are made from a crystalline material that’s clear, durable, and comfortable. These brackets won’t stain from food or drink, so you don’t have to worry about further limiting your snack options (other than the standard chewy and crunchy foods, of course!) Damon clear braces are an excellent option for patients of all ages, especially adults who are after a straight, healthy smile with subtle treatment.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom designed for each individual patient to fit comfortably over the teeth. Much like traditional braces, these customized aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. To accomplish this, you’ll wear them 20-22 hours per day throughout the course of treatment, and replace them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the series.
Invisalign offers patients a bit more freedom and flexibility than regular braces do. There are no food restrictions since aligners are easily removed when eating or drinking, and it’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. You simply remove the aligner, then brush and floss the way you normally would!
Here at Grubaugh Orthodontics, we believe that every patient deserves personal, individualized care. That’s why there’s no “one size fits all” treatment plan! Dr. Grubaugh is committed to giving every patient the attention they deserve and finding the treatment that’s best for your unique smile needs.
Our skilled team is dedicated to providing the most up to date orthodontic techniques and technology for our patients of all ages in Dewitt, Lansing, and the surrounding communities. It’s our top priority to provide you with a positive, stress-free journey from your initial consultation to getting your braces off. You’re not just another face here, you’re family!
It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of! Take the first step today by calling us to schedule your initial consultation.