Case Study: Tailored Treatment for the Adult Patient

As adults, our teeth can move, causing misalignment and crowding. There is often some anxiety for adults when they seek out orthodontic care. The idea of combining metal braces with their busy work and social lives is not inviting.  

Patient. Steph came to us as an adult. She wanted orthodontic treatment to correct crowding and rotations that returned, even after having had braces as a kid.

Problem. As a thriving professional, Steph was concerned about starting orthodontic treatment again as an adult. She was worried about having attention drawn to her by having traditional metal braces on her teeth. Steph lives a busy life and hesitated undergoing treatment again because she remembered the frequent visits, frustrating emergencies – including poking wires and broken brackets – and all the dietary restrictions! Steph appreciates her individualism. She wanted to be seen for who she is and the specific needs she has as a patient.

Solution. Luckily for Steph, she came to Baltimore Orthodontic Group, one of the leading Invisalign* providers in Maryland. Steph was seen by Dr. Barnes, and after a discussion and evaluation, it was decided together that Invisalign would be a great choice for Steph.  Steph was thrilled with the Invisalign option for treatment, as it would reduce the number of appointments needed. (On average, BOG patients treated with Invisalign are seen every three months.) We also assured her that the Invisalign option would limit the number of emergencies. Additionally, Invisalign is a more comfortable and esthetic option than traditional braces. And, there are almost no dietary restrictions with Invisalign treatment.

Dr. Barnes loves to offer Invisalign as it allows for better brushing and flossing. It’s also more comfortable for his patients. Most importantly, the advanced technology of Invisalign allows him to tailor treatment for the specific need of every patient. With Invisalign, the doctors at Baltimore Orthodontic Group are provided with hundreds of data points that allow them to fully understand each unique patient. In Steph’s case, Dr. Barnes used the latest technology to determine that a few teeth needed to be reshaped to provide the best results. There is so much information provided by Invisalign that, in combination with the training and experience the docs at Baltimore Orthodontic Group have, they are uniquely qualified to achieve the best possible results for every patient!

The Process. Steph came in for complimentary records (photos, x-rays, and Invisalign Scan) and same day consultation with Dr. Barnes. After their discussion, the decision was made to proceed with Invisalign treatment. From here, Dr. Barnes set up Steph’s individually tailored Invisalign plan. Steph just recently began her treatment and was given her first set of Invisalign trays. We’ll see Steph back in about three months and will aim to finish her treatment in approximately 16 months.

Results. Please stay tuned: We look forward to updating you all on Steph’s Invisalign journey!

Note for Adults. We can provide wonderful results with Invisalign, but we also understand that Invisalign may not be the best option for every patient. At BOG, we treat plenty of adults who choose braces over Invisalign. In some cases, we even offer clear ceramic braces. Regardless of treatment modality or age, we provide the best possible results! Schedule an appointment to decide what option is best for you!

*Note on Invisalign. Invisalign is not just for adults anymore! The doctors at Baltimore Orthodontic Group are treating teens and kids with Invisalign Teen and Invisalign First. A blog post about our great success with Invisalign for kids will be coming soon!