Parents no longer take the back seat while their kids reap the
benefits of orthodontic treatment. With one-in-three orthodontic
patients over the age of 18, the number of adults seeing an orthodontist
is at an all-time high.
Experts believe this upward trend is likely here to stay – why?
It works.
Orthodontic treatment is just as effective for adults as children. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age because it’s the same physiological process.
Depending
on the complexity of the case, as well as what the patient wants to
achieve, a short-term touch up can take as little as several months
while comprehensive treatment can take much longer. Orthodontic
specialists will customize your smile according to your preferences, and
they don’t require a referral from a dentist.
Treatment doesn’t have to be noticeable to others.
Advances
in orthodontics have made treatment more comfortable and less
noticeable than ever. Many of today’s treatment options are designed to
minimize the appearance of the appliance to better fit any lifestyle.
Options include clear aligners, tooth-colored braces, tiny but more traditional metal braces, and braces that go behind the teeth.
Because
not every appliance is suitable for every kind of orthodontic problem,
an orthodontic specialist will be able to determine which type is right
for the best result.
It’s more than a beautiful smile.
Yes, straight teeth are attractive and create confidence, but there’s more to it.
Leaving
misaligned teeth untreated may lead to other dental problems such as
tooth decay, gum disease, abnormal wearing of tooth enamel and
difficulty chewing. We are living longer than ever before, and healthy
teeth are therefore more important than ever.
Adults are taking note and prioritizing their dental health.
Learn how teeth change as an adult and if you’re too old for orthodontic treatment (hint: you’re not) or check out the adult’s guide to orthodontics at aaoinfo.org.