Orthodontic treatment has been viewed in the past as dental care reserved only for children and teenagers, but times have changed. As technology continues to advance and as orthodontic treatment becomes more affordable, an increasing number of adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Adult orthodontics can address issues of oral health that include malocclusion (bad bite), overbites, and underbites. Research shows that over 70 percent of adults could benefit from orthodontic correction. Current statistics from the American Association of Orthodontists reveal that 1 out of every 4 patients in the average orthodontist’s office are now over the age of 21. That’s more than 1.5 million adults receiving orthodontic care by an AAO-certified orthodontist each year. More adults Whenever anyone says that they cannot go to an orthodontist because they are too old, let them know that they can absolutely make an appointment for their orthodontic needs.
Modern science has brought new techniques to the table which may make orthodontic treatment more pleasant than ever before, but the important thing to remember is that when you are finished you will look and feel better than ever before. Although in some cases you may decide to align your teeth for sheer cosmetic reasons, many times there is usually an underlying medical issue concerning the basic structure and integrity of your teeth which leads to the cosmetic issues. In other situations, your teeth may appear perfectly healthy in spite of an underlying problem. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontists regularly treat patients in their 40′s, 50′s, and older!
But why are adult orthodontics at an all-time high?
Numerous Options
One of the simplest reasons that adults have opted for orthodontics is the number of adult orthodontics options currently available. Depending on your lifestyle and the scale of your treatment needs, adults can choose from aligners, Damon braces, Damon clear braces, and traditional braces. There are also methods to accelerate the movement of teeth that decreases overall treatment time.
Damon Braces
If an adult opts for braces, they can still be involved in their treatment and choose appliances that suit their personality, comfort, and timeframe for treatment.
Braces apply pressure and tension to move teeth gently in the desired direction. Damon braces use a slide mechanism to hold the archwire, reducing the amount of pressure exerted on the teeth and allowing the teeth to move more freely, quickly, and comfortably.
Damon Clear Braces
Damon Clear braces are clear ceramic braces making them less noticeable than their metal counterparts. The clarity of the Damon clear braces caters to those adults wanting optimum esthetics.
Metal braces
Adults usually picture metal braces as the picture painted of the traditional braces of our childhoods. With a composition of brackets, wires, and bands, adult metal braces move teeth through gradual adjustments to the wires. But metal braces have come a long way in the last few decades; they are smaller, sleeker, and less intrusive, making them a reasonable option for adults.
Invisible Aligners
Invisible aligners are a popular option for adult braces because they are clear in color and removable. Aligners such as Invisalign and Spark are popular among adults because they consist of clear plastic trays that are virtually undetectable when placed over the teeth. This helps patients avoid some of the stigmas and stereotypes associated with braces. Aligners are also more comfortable since there are no wire tightening appointments. The removable aspect of aligners is also appealing to the adult population. Over the course of treatment, new sets of custom clear aligners are worn that gradually shift your teeth. A word of caution: when considering the cost of adult braces, you might be tempted to choose a mail-order DIY aligner. One must research the risk factors and consult your orthodontist before choosing this route.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth, offering a more discreet look. Lingual braces can be used for some minor tooth movements.
Accelerated treatment with any of these methods
Another option for adults is the availability of accelerated orthodontics. Acceldent creates small vibrations, precisely-calibrated micropulses to gently accelerate the movement of your teeth. These micropulses accelerate the changing – or remodeling – the bones surrounding your teeth to speed up tooth movement. This means that you can get your braces off faster and you will feel more comfortable during treatment. And the best part – AcceleDent is both non-invasive and non-surgical! This can be used in conjunction with aligners, Damon braces, Damon Clear, and traditional braces.
Reduction of oral health issues
The main reason why dental experts recommend you fix the alignment of your teeth and jaws is to improve your overall dental health. Misalignments are often not just a result of teeth not fitting properly. Individuals with malocclusion are more at risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, cracked or chipped teeth, jawbone thinning, and gum issues. Some of these problems are caused by the uneven pressure placed upon the jaws and teeth, while others focus on the physical discomfort of crooked teeth.
Malocclusion can also lead to decay and periodontal (gum) disease as it is difficult to remove plaque and debris in the mouth. Straitening teeth can also make chewing more comfortable.
Boost of Self-Confidence
Besides the practical concerns, one of the most common reasons why adults choose to get orthodontic treatment is because they want to change their appearance and boost their self-confidence. Studies have shown individuals with crooked smiles, overbites, and underbites are less likely to be social, smile in public, or take pictures. They also expressed lower self-confidence than their counterparts with straight teeth.
Affordability
Finally, the affordability of orthodontic treatment has led to an increase in adults seeking orthodontia across the country. Payment plans make treatment more manageable. Since every smile is unique, so is every orthodontic treatment plan. The cost of adult orthodontics is determined by the severity of the treatment, the modality of treatment, and the duration of the treatment.
Payment plans make treatment more manageable. Many dental benefits from insurance make the cost of adult braces more affordable by offering orthodontic coverage. There are many different payment arrangement plans based on your need.
Conclusion
When it comes to straightening teeth, there is no age cut-off. With the increased availability of options for orthodontic treatment, adult orthodontics is expected to increase over time. Education regarding various treatment-related choices and a variety of affordable options will help to continue this upward trend. In addition, increased accessibility to orthodontic treatment will also contribute to the rise in orthodontic treatment in adults. At Varghese Orthodontics, we never want finances to get in the way of starting treatment and, in most cases, we want to cater to your unique financial needs.
If you feel like your teeth can improve, we would like to help. A great smile can inspire confidence and improve self-esteem. If you need options for orthodontic treatment, please contact Varghese Orthodontics at 630-907-9680. Whether you are a parent seeking treatment for your children or a prospective patient yourself, we will listen to your concerns and develop a customized treatment plan to fit your needs. We are 100% committed to creating AWESOME Smiles all over the western suburbs! North Aurora, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Gilberts, West Dundee, Carpentersville, Burlington, Lakewood, Harmony, Union, Pingree Grove, Sleepy Hollow, Sugar Grove, Mooseheart, Batavia, Aurora, Geneva, Kaneville, Elburn, Big Rock, Little Rock, Montgomery, Oswego, Plano, Naperville, Hinckley, Sandwich and beyond. Dr. Varghese and his incredible team truly care for our patients by creating an awesome experience for them. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, give us a call and let Dr. Varghese offer the kind of encouragement that will set your mind at ease. Varghese Orthodontics is here to help you from the day your braces are put on until the day they come off and into the retention phase. You can also visit us at vargheseorthodontics.com for more information.
It’s all about your smile! Let’s connect!
