For many Dallas professionals, parents, and community leaders, the idea of wearing braces can feel impossible to fit into an already-packed schedule. Between meetings, school drop-offs, deadlines, and social commitments, it’s easy to assume orthodontic treatment will require more time than you have.
At Ragan Orthodontics in Walnut Hill and Inwood, Dr. Ragan and his team understand that adult patients need both efficiency and results. Whether you’re interested in discreet clear aligners, the proven power of braces, or something in between, there are treatment options that fit your lifestyle without forcing you to put your life on hold.
Why Adult Orthodontics Is Growing in Dallas
Over the past decade, the number of adults pursuing orthodontic care has grown steadily – in fact, according to a statistic from the American Association of Orthodontists, 1 in 3 orthodontic patients are adults (over age 18). Why is there such a huge percentage of adults choosing orthodontic treatment? Here in Dallas, there’s a couple of reasons:
- Aesthetics – Many adults want a straighter, more confident smile for personal and professional reasons.
- Bite correction – Orthodontic treatment corrects issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites and helps improve chewing, speech, and overall comfort.
- Oral health improvements – Straighter teeth are easier to clean, so getting them straightened helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
At Ragan Orthodontics, Dr. Ragan and his team understand the unique needs of busy adults, offering flexible scheduling and a range of treatment options designed to fit seamlessly into professional and personal routines.
Considering orthodontic treatment, but aren’t sure what type is best for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of treatment Ragan Orthodontics offers.
Finding the Right Treatment for You
Ragan Orthodontics offers three main types of treatment: metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign, Smilers, and our in-house Ragan Aligners. During your consultation with Dr. Ragan, you can find out all about these types of treatments. For now, here’s what makes them different:
Metal and WildSmile Braces
Traditional metal braces remain one of the most durable and effective orthodontic solutions, especially for complex cases that require precise, consistent tooth movement. Traditional braces may require more frequent in-office adjustments that range from four to six weeks; these visits help keep treatment on track and deliver reliable results.
If you want to add a bit of personality to your treatment, you can also get WildSmile braces, which add a fun twist to traditional treatment. WildSmile braces offer personalized customization with unique bracket shapes, allowing you to express your style while working toward a healthier, straighter smile.
Clear Braces
Clear braces provide the same reliable results as metal braces, but with a more discreet appearance, which makes them perfect for adults who want effective treatment without drawing extra attention to their smile. Their clear color blends in naturally, making them well-suited for professional environments or public-facing roles. Their treatment timeline is similar to that of metal braces, but they offer the perfect balance of aesthetics and efficiency for busy adults in Dallas.
Invisalign (Clear Aligners)
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, Smilers, and our in-house clear aligners, offer a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth, making them a favorite for adults who want a subtle treatment option. Invisalign trays can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning, which lets you maintain your normal diet and oral hygiene routine with ease. Because they typically require fewer in-office visits, clear aligners are especially convenient for traveling professionals or those with unpredictable schedules; they’re the best for mild to moderate alignment issues.
No matter which treatment you choose, staying on track with your orthodontic plan is essential for great results. Now that we’ve gone over the types of treatment available at Ragan Orthodontics, let’s talk about some hacks that you can use to keep your treatment moving forward smoothly, no matter what your schedule is.
Staying Consistent with Oral Care During Treatment
Keeping your teeth healthy during orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to be complicated — even for busy adults. Here are some key strategies to stay on top of oral hygiene while keeping your treatment on track:
- Brush and floss after meals. For braces, pay extra attention around brackets and wires. For aligners, rinse and brush your teeth and trays daily.
- Stay away from foods that can set back your progress. If you’re using Invisalign trays, then you get some more flexibility here. But if you’re wearing braces, be sure to stay away from super crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods that can damage your brackets or wires.
- Carry a compact orthodontic kit. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and an aligner case in your bag, car, or desk for quick touch-ups.
- Book follow-up appointments in advance. Locking in visits at Ragan Orthodontics’ Walnut Hill and Inwood offices will help you avoid setbacks in your treatment.
- Use early morning or lunch-hour slots. Make check-ins convenient without interrupting your work or personal obligations.
- Take advantage of our telehealth check-ins. Take advantage of our virtual consult option if you’re on the go and need a quick, effortless check-in.
- Set reminders for hygiene and aligner changes. Phone alerts or calendar notifications will help ensure you never miss an important step.
By combining consistent at-home care with smart scheduling skills, you can protect your teeth, maintain your progress, and achieve a straighter smile without letting a busy lifestyle slow you down.
With these strategies in place, you can see how orthodontic treatment can actually fit smoothly into your day-to-day life.
Advanced Orthodontic Technology at Ragan Orthodontics
For adults in Dallas with demanding schedules, convenience and comfort matter. That’s why Ragan Orthodontics invests in advanced orthodontic technology that makes treatment smoother and more efficient from start to finish.
DentalMonitoring
DentalMonitoring allows patients to connect with Dr. Ragan from anywhere, reducing the number of in-office visits needed throughout treatment. Using an easy-to-use app and your smartphone, you can take quick scans of your smile at home or on the go. Dr. Ragan reviews these images remotely to track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Digital Imaging
If you’re dreading messy putty or are skeptical of old-fashioned 2D x-rays, we’ve got you covered with our advanced digital imaging tools. Dr. Ragan uses CBCT Imaging, which provides 3D x-rays of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures for a more complete and accurate view of your smile. The iTero Digital Scanner captures a fast, precise 3D model of your teeth without the discomfort of traditional impressions. These tools allow for more customized treatment plans, improved comfort, and a better overall experience from consultation to final results.
Dental Pain Eraser
To make your orthodontic journey even more comfortable, Ragan Orthodontics also offers the Dental Pain Eraser, which is a gentle, drug-free device that helps reduce soreness after adjustments. It works by using safe, low-level energy pulses that calm the nerves around your teeth and gums, helping relieve discomfort and promote faster recovery.
These tools make orthodontic treatment more manageable, comfortable, and aligned with the needs of busy adults in Dallas. Before we wrap up, let us show you how Dr. Ragan and the team at Ragan Orthodontics can help craft a personalized plan just for you.
Ragan Orthodontics – Your Stop for Smooth, Straight Smiles
At Ragan Orthodontics, Dr. Ragan and his team know that adult patients have unique needs and busy schedules, and they’ve built their practice around making orthodontic care both effective and convenient. From customizable WildSmile braces to nearly invisible clear aligners, finding the perfect treatment that fits your lifestyle just got a whole lot easier.
Ready to get started on your treatment? Schedule your free consultation at our Walnut Hill or Inwood office now!