Adults are often resistant to the idea of getting orthodontic treatment. Some patients claim that braces are tied to middle school and high school rites of passage and seem completely out of place in adult life. While this was true a generation ago, it is no longer true today. In fact, it is never too late to reclaim your confidence by creating that perfect smile. Additionally, there are often key advantages patients may experience by waiting until adulthood to straighten their teeth.
For extreme cases of overcrowding or crooked teeth, traditional braces may be the only solution. Even so, ceramic braces are a good alternative to metal and they provide some degree of discretion by using clear or teeth-colored wires and brackets. For less extreme cases of misalignment, more discrete options include lingual braces and Invisalign®.
People often think of straightening the teeth as a cosmetic procedure. While this is true for many, straighter teeth are also healthier. How so? When there is overcrowding and misaligned bites, it is often more difficult for patients to keep the teeth clean. As a result, people with crowded teeth often suffer from gum disease and tooth loss.
There are other medical issues that may be corrected or prevented by straightening the teeth. One common and potentially fatal one is sleep apnea, where a person may stop breathing while sleeping. Misalignment may also cause speech impediments, such as a lisp. Finally, when overcrowding leads to gum inflammation and infection, some of the possible related side effects include heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and even dementia.
The main benefit of straightening teeth in youngsters is that teeth are easier to manipulate at this time. Even so, especially when Invisalign is used, teens and preteens do not always follow the instructions provided. Adults tend to be more motivated and meticulous when it comes to following the rules, helping to make treatment even more effective in some cases.
While braces are considered a rite of passage in the younger years, many teens are as resistant as adults may be to getting orthodontic treatment. If there are adults in the household who have crooked or overcrowded teeth that were not treated, teens may point to them as a reason for treatment being unnecessary. As a result, adults can help to pave the way for younger family members by taking the first step toward straighter teeth themselves.
Perhaps the main reason people pursue a straighter smile is to improve self-esteem. Crooked smiles can cause people not to smile very often and to feel conscious about their appearance. This is not without strong reason. Americans generally find straighter smiles more attractive, which can affect not just a person’s romantic life but also career opportunities.
Braces were once most commonly worn by pre-teen and teenage patients. However, many dentists now claim that half their teeth straightening patients are adults. No doubt improvements in discreet orthodontic treatment options helped to make this possible.
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Every person has unique reasons for seeking orthodontics. Some seek treatment to enhance the way that their smile looks, while others might want to address more serious issues, like not being able to speak properly due to teeth misalignment. Dentists often recommend orthodontics if they notice abnormalities like poor teeth alignment or a lack of…
A trip to the orthodontist is a rite of passage for many teenagers. Adolescence can be difficult enough without struggling with their smile in key moments like going to prom and having their photos taken for the yearbook. Orthodontic treatment for teens can not only provide a straighter smile but can also benefit their everyday…
Orthodontics help straighten improperly aligned teeth. Teeth alignment problems can ruin the appearance of your smile and leave your teeth more vulnerable to issues like tooth decay and gum disease.Orthodontics uses devices like braces and clear aligners to improve the alignment of teeth by gradually pushing them to better positions over time. Common teeth alignment…
Orthodontics aims to improve the alignment of your teeth. Doing so improves the way that your smile looks and makes it easier to keep your teeth clean, protecting you against tooth decay and gum disease.Clear aligners provide a discreet way to straighten teeth. They allow patients to avoid having to deal with metal wires and…