59 Phenix Ave Cranston, RI 02920
More Adults Are Choosing Orthodontic Treatment Than Ever Before
Orthodontic treatment isn't just for teenagers. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists reports that one in every five orthodontic patients today is over the age of 21 — and that number continues to grow.
Adults are choosing orthodontic treatment for many of the same reasons teens do: to correct bite issues, relieve jaw discomfort, address crowding or spacing, and achieve a smile they feel confident in. What's different is that today's treatment options are more discreet, more comfortable, and more compatible with a busy adult life than ever before.
At Cranston Orthodontics, Dr. Cosmo brings 27 years of experience and board-certified expertise to adult patients — creating personalized treatment plans that work around your schedule, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Treatment Options for Adults — Discreet, Comfortable, and Effective
The thought of wearing metal braces as an adult is what stops many people from pursuing treatment. The good news: today's options look nothing like the braces of the past — and several are virtually invisible.
Invisalign® for Adults
Invisalign is a popular choice for adults, using clear, removable aligners that are discreet, convenient, and require fewer office visits than traditional braces. As a certified provider, Dr. Cosmo delivers excellent results—even for more complex cases not suited for mail-order aligners.
01
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces function exactly like metal braces but use tooth-colored brackets that blend naturally with your teeth. They are significantly less visible than metal braces and are a great option for adults who want the precision and reliability of fixed braces without the noticeable appearance of metal hardware.
02
3M Clarity™ Clear Brackets
For patients who want the precision and reliability of fixed braces without the metal look, 3M Clarity™ clear brackets offer a highly aesthetic, stain-resistant ceramic alternative. Engineered by 3M — the gold standard in orthodontic bracket technology — Clarity™ brackets blend naturally with the color of your teeth and maintain that appearance throughout your entire treatment. Same proven results. Significantly less visible.
03
Self-Ligating Braces
Dr. Cosmo uses industry-leading self-ligating bracket systems from 3M and American Orthodontics that require no elastic ties, reduce friction on the wire, and often result in shorter treatment times and more comfortable appointments. For adults who do choose traditional braces, these are the most advanced option available.
04
How Adult Orthodontics Differs From Treatment for Teens
The fundamentals of orthodontic treatment are the same regardless of age — but there are important differences Dr. Cosmo considers when treating adult patients.
The most significant distinction is that adult jawbones have stopped growing. In younger patients, jaw development is still active and can be guided with appliances. For adults, the bone structure is fully set, which means certain skeletal discrepancies may require a different approach — and in some cases, coordination with an oral surgeon for orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
Dr. Cosmo also considers the following factors that are more common in adult patients:
- Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease): Adults are more likely to have experienced some degree of gum recession or bone loss. Patients with straighter, better-aligned teeth are less susceptible to periodontal disease, which is one of the most important health reasons to pursue adult orthodontic treatment. Dr. Cosmo works closely with periodontal patients and their dental providers to ensure treatment is appropriate and safe.
- Worn or missing teeth: Over time, teeth can become worn down and shift into positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to tilt, drift, and create a bite imbalance — increasing the likelihood of gum disease and further tooth loss. Orthodontic treatment can often be coordinated with restorative dental work for comprehensive results.
- Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen: Many adults received some orthodontic treatment when they were younger but never completed it — or completed it and stopped wearing their retainer, allowing teeth to shift back. Adult treatment can correct these situations and finally deliver the healthy, beautiful smile that was always the goal.
At Cranston Orthodontics, we recognize that adult patients have different needs and a different level of awareness about their care. Dr. Cosmo and our team will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment — with full transparency, respect for your time, and a plan built around your life.
Start Your Smile Journey With a Free Exam
There's no better time than now. Dr. Cosmo and the team at Cranston Orthodontics offer complimentary new patient exams for adult patients — no referral required. We'll evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw, walk you through your options in plain language, and build a treatment plan that fits your life.