Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), almost 1 million adults are currently in orthodontic treatment across the country, double the number from just ten years ago.
Why? Technological advances mean braces are less noticeable, painful, and time-consuming. Presenting yourself well means taking care of your entire well-being, and having a good smile is an important component.
As we get older, facial muscles begin to droop. Smile lines drop and it’s not unusual for more of your lower teeth to become visible. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear patients say middle age is the first time they've noticed how crooked their teeth were.
Is treatment for adult orthodontics any different from treatment for kids?
The answer is yes and no. Essentially, the process of moving teeth is the same. But when working with a more mature mouth, there are different considerations.
According to the American Dental Association, by age 35 three out of four adults have some form of periodontal disease. This is significant because it can damage the underlying support structures that hold teeth in place. When gums and bone become soft or weakened, teeth begin to move around in the mouth.
In general, adult corrections take slightly longer than kids' because an adult's mouth and jaw are no longer growing and problems may be more challenging. Until recently, adults often wore braces for two to three years. Now, however, the time has been decreased to between 6 and 18 months. New SureSmile and Damon System technologies have decreased treatment time and discomfort significantly.
Improving your smile is a great confidence booster at any age. It’s also an excellent strategy for avoiding health issues later in life.
Comments