Straight smiles are not just for teens and tweens. One-quarter of current orthodontic patients are adults. If you are curious if orthodontic treatment in adulthood is right for you, read on! In this blog, we will answer the top questions posed by new orthodontic patients.
What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that focuses on correcting bite alignment and straightening teeth. Traditionally, braces were the go-to orthodontic treatment. Brackets are bonded to the teeth to hold a thin, sturdy wire in place, secured by small rubber bands. The wire puts pressure on specific teeth to alter their positions. Patients with braces come to the orthodontist’s office about every month to adjust the wire and change out rubber bands. Clear aligner treatments emerged in the early 2000s and continue to gain popularity. Patients with clear aligners receive a series of clear, plastic trays that gradually put pressure on the teeth to align them into their ideal positions.
Why is Orthodontic Treatment Important?
Misalignments in your smile can lead to various dental problems, including premature wear, tooth decay, gum disease, and chewing issues. Orthodontic treatment aligns the teeth and corrects bite alignment to lower your risk of developing harmful dental conditions in the future. Additionally, crooked or spaced teeth can be a source of embarrassment for many individuals. Seventy percent of individuals believe that straightening their smile would improve their self-esteem. Correcting these misalignments leaves many patients with new-found confidence.
Who Would Benefit from Adult Orthodontic Treatment?
It is a common misconception that orthodontic treatment is only for children and teens. However, that could not be further from the truth. Many adults are perfect candidates for orthodontic treatment. In fact, up to 75% of Americans could benefit from orthodontic treatment. That means that if you are in a room with four people, at least three could possibly benefit from orthodontics! If you are unhappy with the misalignments in your smile, you are likely a suitable candidate for orthodontic treatment. Whether you want to touch up a previous orthodontic treatment or have never stepped into an orthodontic office before, we can craft a custom treatment plan to help you achieve your best smile.
When is the Best Time to Receive Orthodontic Treatment?
Ideally, patients would first see an orthodontist by their 7th birthday. However, if that ship sailed long ago, you are still in luck. Adults of all ages can have a successful orthodontic treatment. Although some corrections are streamlined when the facial structures are still growing, most corrections are still possible on a fully developed smile. Treatment time can sometimes be slightly longer for adult patients. Simply put, whenever you decide you want to improve your smile and oral health is a great time to schedule a consultation.
Where Should I Go for Orthodontic Treatment?
Picking an orthodontic provider is a crucial decision. With something as important as your smile, it is not worth it to receive treatment from an unqualified provider to save a few dollars. The American Association of Orthodontics encourages patients to seek care from an AAO orthodontist. Orthodontists undergo extensive education to prepare for delivering safe, effective treatments to their patients. These professionals hold a bachelor’s degree, a doctoral degree from a 4-year dental school, and additionally complete three years of specialized orthodontic training. Beware of online orthodontic providers that send you a complete series of clear aligners all at once or without an in-person consultation. Orthodontic treatment is only safe with a qualified orthodontic professional monitoring your progress.
How Can I Achieve a Straight Smile?
Many adult patients are unsure if orthodontic treatment is right for them because they do not want to put their life on hold for metal braces. If this thought has passed your mind, we have some good news. Braces are no longer your only option for achieving a straight smile. Clear aligners can correct most of the same misalignments as braces and are a great option for patients who want to conceal their treatment. Adults often prefer clear aligners because they can be removed for easy cleaning and eating. They do have to be worn for at least 22 hours a day for optimal results. Therefore, if you are someone who may struggle to remember to wear clear aligners consistently, ceramic braces may be a better option for you. Ceramic braces use clear brackets and rubber bands to conceal the hardware and are practically invisible in photographs.
If you think orthodontic treatment could benefit your smile, schedule a consultation! We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have and guide you through all your treatment plan options.