Originally from Texas, Dr. Bennett made Washington home in 2016 when he joined Creekside Dental. A Baylor College of Dentistry graduate, he now serves as Clinical Director, where he’s known for raising clinical standards, embracing new technology, and sharing his passion for dentistry with patients and colleagues alike.
Beyond the office, Dr. Bennett is a dedicated family man with his wife and five kids. He’s a foodie who loves to cook, a cyclist who enjoys the open road, and someone who never says no to a hug. At Creekside Dental, he’s thrilled to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
When people think about braces, most picture awkward teenage years with metal wires, rubber bands, and food restrictions. For many adults, those memories alone are enough to push the idea of teeth straightening aside. But times have changed. Technology has opened the door to new solutions that are comfortable, discreet, and designed to fit into an adult lifestyle.
At Creekside Dental Kennewick, Dr. Bennett, has been helping adults transform their smiles with a gentle, supportive, and personalized approach. Whether you are a parent who has spent years putting your kids first, a professional focused on your career, or someone who has simply delayed treatment, the truth is simple: it’s never too late for a confident smile.
This guide will walk you through why adults are choosing to straightening teeth later in life with Dr. Bennett how modern clear aligners work, and what to expect when you start your journey with Dr. Bennett.
Why Adults Choose to Straighten Later in Life
Life gets busy. Careers, families, and responsibilities often take priority over personal care. Many adults say they always wanted a straighter smile but never had the chance as teens. Others had braces years ago but saw their teeth shift over time.
Straightening your teeth as an adult isn’t just about looks. Crooked or crowded teeth can:
- Make it harder to brush and floss properly, leading to gum disease and cavities
- Cause uneven wear that can damage enamel
- Put stress on the jaw, leading to headaches or discomfort
- Make you feel self-conscious in photos, meetings, or social settings
For many adults, the decision comes down to health, comfort, and confidence.
The Rise of Clear Aligners for Adults
Traditional braces work well, but they are not always the best fit for adult lifestyles. That’s why clear aligners have become so popular. Clear aligners are transparent trays custom-made to move your teeth into better positions over time. They are comfortable, removable, and almost invisible. You wear them most of the day and night, but you can take them out when cleaning your trays or brushing. For busy adults, this means no food restrictions, no metal brackets, and no feeling of being “on display” while fixing your teeth.
What Makes Clear Aligners Ideal for Adults?
- Subtle: They are nearly invisible, so most people won’t notice you’re wearing them.
- Removable: You can take them out for brushing, flossing, or a special occasion.
- Comfortable: Smooth trays mean no wires poking your cheeks or gums.
- Efficient: Most treatments are completed within 6–8 months.
A Day in the Life with Aligners
Picture this: You wake up, remove your aligners for a quick brush, have your morning coffee, rinse, and pop them back in. You head into meetings, lunches, or errands, and nobody notices you are working on your smile. Later, at dinner with family or friends, you can enjoy what you love without worry, simply by removing the trays. This is the power of modern adult teeth straightening. Quiet, flexible, and life-friendly.
The Creekside Dental Process with Dr. Bennett
At Creekside Dental, your treatment is customized from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Data Collection
Your journey begins with data collection. This includes a scan, photos, and X-rays. This information builds a clear picture of your teeth and helps Dr. Bennett design your treatment.
2. ClinCheck Review
About three weeks later, you return to review your ClinCheck. This computer animation shows exactly how your teeth will move over time and how long it will take to achieve your new smile. You’ll see the process before you begin.
3. First Tray Fitting
Once you approve your ClinCheck, you return in about three weeks to start your first tray. From here, you’re officially on the path toward the smile you’ve always wanted.
4. Wearing Your Trays
You’ll wear your trays all the time. Day. Night. Eating. Sleeping. The only time you remove them is when cleaning your teeth.
5. Attachments and IPR
Most patients will need attachments. These are small, tooth-colored buttons placed on your teeth to help the aligners move them more effectively. They are polished off when treatment is done.
Some patients may need IPR, which stands for interproximal reduction. This involves a simple polishing between teeth to create tiny amounts of space, allowing teeth to move more smoothly.
6. Fewer Visits, Better Results
With Dr. Bennett’s Invisalign experience, you won’t need to come in often. Once your treatment is progressing well, you’ll receive multiple trays to take home and change on specific dates. Of course, you are always welcome to come in for a check, but most of the time, your progress continues at home.
7. Retainers After Treatment
When your smile is where you want it, you’ll receive custom retainers. They look like aligners but are slightly thicker. You wear them at night to keep your teeth in place. Retainers also protect against grinding and can be used for whitening.
Retainers don’t last forever. Over time, they stretch, and teeth may shift. Research shows you should replace them every two years, though some people need new ones sooner. You can always get new retainers at Creekside Dental.
Discreet smile correction for adults by Dr. Bennett
Benefits of Straightening Your Teeth as an Adult
Improved Oral Health
Straight teeth are easier to clean. They reduce plaque buildup, prevent gum inflammation, and lower the risk of cavities and bad breath.
Better Function
Correcting bite issues prevents uneven wear and jaw strain. Everyday tasks like chewing and speaking feel easier and more natural.
Boosted Confidence
Many adults report that they now smile more fully in photos and walk into meetings with greater confidence after treatment. A healthy, aligned smile supports personal and professional success.
Long-Term Savings
Investing now can prevent bigger problems later. Crooked teeth can lead to gum recession, tooth decay, or costly restorative treatments. Straightening your teeth reduces these risks.
Real Patients, Real Results
At Creekside Dental, Dr. Bennett has worked with patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. The results are life-changing: straighter teeth, better function, and confidence that shines.
What to Expect: Step-by-Step Recap
- Data collection with scans, photos, and X-rays
- ClinCheck review with computer animation of your smile
- First tray fitting after approval
- 24/7 tray wear with exceptions for cleaning
- Attachments and IPR if needed
- Multiple trays are provided for convenience
- Retainers to maintain results
Get Adult teeth straightening options with Dr. Bennett!
Honest Tips Before You Start
- Be consistent: Wear your trays as instructed.
- Keep them clean: Rinse and brush daily.
- Track your progress: Take photos to stay motivated.
- Ask questions: Dr. Bennett and his team are here to help.
FAQ’s
Q1: Am I too old for clear aligners?
No. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, age is not a barrier. Many patients in their 50s and 60s complete treatment successfully.
Q2: Will aligners affect my speech?
There may be a short adjustment period, but most people adapt quickly and speak normally within days.
Q3: How often do I need to see Dr. Bennett during treatment?
You’ll usually visit every 6–8 weeks in the beginning, but as things progress, you’ll receive multiple trays and can manage most of your treatment at home.
Q4: Do aligners hurt?
There may be mild pressure when you switch to a new set, but it usually fades in a day or two. Most patients describe it as manageable and far easier than braces.
Q5: What happens after treatment ends?
You’ll receive custom retainers to wear at night. These maintain your results and protect your teeth.
To Wrap Up
A confident smile isn’t just about appearance. It’s about health, comfort, and how you feel when you walk into a room. Clear aligners for adults by Dr. Bennett make it easier than ever to invest in yourself without disrupting your life.
At Creekside Dental, Dr. Bennett has the expertise and technology to guide you every step of the way. From your first scan to your final retainer, you’ll receive personalized care designed for your needs and lifestyle. It’s never too late to invest in your smile. With today’s advanced teeth-straightening options, adults can achieve the confident, healthy smile they’ve always wanted.
Take the first step toward a confident smile. Call 509-737-0327 now.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dental consultation. Always speak with Dr. Bennett or your dental care provider before starting any treatment.
Remember: Straightening your teeth is possible at any age. With Dr. Bennett, your journey will be simple, comfortable, and rewarding.