More and more adults are choosing to enter orthodontic treatment. Just as the prevalence of teen braces helped to normalize orthodontic treatment in that age group, adult braces are creating the same revolutionary changes for older patients. Perhaps for this very reason, orthodontics has seen great improvements in discreet ways of providing treatment. Here’s what you need to know about adult orthodontics.
Why Adults Get Braces
Our adult patients at Jones & DeShon Orthodontics get braces for the same reason teenagers do: They want to straighten their smile. However, for many adults seeking adult orthodontic treatment, this isn’t their first time in the orthodontist’s chair. Many wore braces as teens but did not keep up with their retainers. As a result, their teeth began to shift back into their original positions.
Some adults may also need orthodontic treatment after suffering facial trauma in a car crash or sports-related incident. If the patient already had dental flaws that resulted in protruding teeth, then the trauma is typically worse than it would be for someone with straighter teeth. Sometimes in these cases, patients come in with broken or missing teeth.
More often than not, however, adults are seeking treatment for conditions that have persisted since childhood. For these patients, orthodontic treatment might just be a lifelong dream.
The Benefits of Braces for Adults
Adults enjoy many of the same benefits that teenagers do, but in adulthood the stakes may be higher. Aside from aesthetics, here are some of the main benefits adults enjoy during and after orthodontic treatment:
- Improved bite and chewing
- Corrected speech impediments
- Prevention of premature tooth loss
- Reduced risk of gum disease or periodontal disease
- Prevention of further tooth decay by making it easier to brush and floss
- Curing of headaches related to jaw misalignment caused by overcrowding
Preventing tooth decay and gum disease also has a positive effect on a person’s overall health. Both conditions have been linked to heart disease, liver disease and type 2 diabetes.
The Available Options
One of the major turnoffs for adults considering straightening their teeth is the thought of having a mouth full of metal. Even though adults know Invisalign is an option, many may believe it is too expensive, or they may have been turned down as a candidate for Invisalign in the past. Thanks to advances in orthodontics, some past denials can be overturned and Invisalign has become more affordable. However, Invisalign is not the only option. Adults may also choose low-profile metal braces that are much smaller and more comfortable than metal braces of the past. Ceramic braces are also available. These have a translucent appearance, so it’s much harder to tell someone is wearing them.
The very best way to determine which orthodontic treatment is right for you is to schedule your free consultation! We’ll discuss all your options and explain our affordable payment plans. You can reach us online or give us a call at 276-638-8888 to reserve your appointment time.