Submitted by Smiles Orthodontics
There’s no time like the present for straighter teeth and a healthier smile. Dr. Ethan Larson of Smiles Orthodontics in Puyallup sees an increasing number of adults who are candidates for braces or Invisalign treatment every year. While the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids visit an orthodontist by age 7, a whopping 20 percent of candidates for braces in 2015 were over the age of 18.
There has been a steady rise in the number of grown-ups who are interested in flashing a new-and-improved smile. One of the reasons that braces make so much more sense for adults today is that the mechanics of orthodontics have changed over the last two decades. Gone are the days when opting for braces earned you monikers like “metal mouth” and meant years of discomfort. Having braces used to mean frequent trips to the orthodontist for adjustments. Today, the braces and wires are far more advanced, which means far fewer visits to the office and less discomfort.
The process in general is also less of an inconvenience than it once was. Modern braces have bonded brackets that are considerably smaller than their predecessors. Some patients can even opt for clear braces or aligners — called Invisalign — that are just plain difficult to see unless you’re looking for them. All of this streamlining means that adults can expect far less discomfort as they realign their teeth, and can expect to wear braces for as few as 12 and as many as 24 months, depending on the complexity of the treatment.
Affordability is another factor that has more and more mature patients turning their attention to the longevity of their teeth and gums. For those patients whose parents couldn’t afford the expense of braces when they were children, that investment is now manageable thanks to Dr. Larson and Smiles Orthodontics payment options being flexible and affordable.
What is the biggest reason braces for big kids are catching on? Adults report that the confidence they feel in their personal and professional life after realigning their teeth is worth the temporary inconvenience. A healthy, beautiful smile under construction is hardly noticeable thanks to newer low profile or clear brackets.
Whatever the reason, as people live longer, there is a definite interest in keeping teeth properly aligned. Making sure that teeth are adequately straightened and in-line allows for easier maintenance and daily oral hygiene. Plaque build-up, periodontal disease and cavities are all caused or aggravated by misaligned or crowded teeth. Aside from the health benefits, straighter teeth can also make chewing more comfortable and can even alleviate headaches, indigestion and jaw pain.
In keeping with the adult needs of his patients, this family orthodontist offers some very family-friendly perks that grown-ups will appreciate as much as their little ones.
All new patients at Smiles Orthodontics receive a complimentary exam. At this consult, you’ll get a chance to meet Dr. Larson and learn about the options available to you. For those who are on the fence about adult braces but are interested in getting their little one checked out, it’s good to know that Dr. Larson offers a family discount. The office is sensitive to the needs of working adults, and offers appointments before and after work hours Monday through Friday. Located centrally in downtown Puyallup, Smiles Orthodontics is within just miles of off major freeways, which makes it easy to zip in and zip on out.
As if those perks weren’t enticing enough, there are even more reasons to choose Smiles Orthodontics once you’ve decided to invest in a healthier smile. For example, the office offers free wifi and tablets to keep busy minds active in the waiting room, and your trips to Smiles Orthodontics will be something to look forward to with the new Smile Rewards. These rewards are accrued every time a patient visits with Dr. Larson, refers their friends, visits their dentist, earns academic rewards and so much more!! Perhaps the best fringe benefit that comes with trusting Smiles Orthodontics with aligning your teeth? Any time that an existing patient refers a friend to Dr. Larson, that person automatically earns 5000 rewards points ($100 value). Smiles Rewards is the only local rewards program of its kind. This program allows you to redeem your points through Amazon! Just think of the endless possibilities.
All of the peripheral benefits aside, Dr. Ethan Larson is an accomplished orthodontist, and South Sound families trust him for his education, experience and proven results. Smiles Orthodontics takes their motto — Creating Smiles, Impacting Lives — to heart. That’s why so many South Sound families trust Dr. Ethan Larson for their entire family’s orthodontic needs. For information about what steps are next to claim your new-and-improved grin, call Smiles Orthodontics at 253-848-4537. You can also visit Smiles Orthodontics’ Facebook page to reach Dr. Larson, who talks to every candidate individually about their options. Every new patient receives a complimentary consultation. Call today!
