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Why More Adults are Straightening Their Teeth
Cherrywood Dental • Aug 22, 2016
Adult braces are booming. More and more grown men and women are deciding to take the orthodontic plunge – and loving their results. How popular is adult straightening? From 1994 to 2010, the number of Americans 18 and older receiving some kind of orthodontic treatment grew by a whopping 58%. The number of patients under 18 straightening their teeth also grew, but at a much more gradual rate of 15%.
In 2010, adults made up 22% of all orthodontic patients. This staggering figure makes more sense when you consider the way adult orthodontic options have transformed treatment. With options like Invisalign, patients can straighten without feeling self-conscious or out of control. Plus, these patients have never been happier – another AAO study surveyed adults post-orthodontics. The research found that these patients believed they saw significant improvements in both their work performance and their personal lives. Of those surveyed, 75% believed that their life improvements were due to straighter teeth. And 92% said they would recommend straightening to other adults.
Is Adult Orthodontic Treatment Right For Me?
You’re understandably curious about whether your own case will lead to this kind of satisfaction. That answer is a personal one, and we won’t be able to tell you if you’re an Invisalign candidate until you’ve had a consultation. We offer free consults to prospective Invisalign patients so that there’s no commitment until you’re ready. If you fit into one of the categories below, chances are good that you’ll have excellent results from treatment:
You are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth – This is obvious, but it’s a feeling that many patients overlook. Do you hide your smiles or your laughter? Are you uncomfortable showing your teeth around other people? Do you dislike photos of your smile? If crooked teeth are the problem, straightening will unleash a higher level of confidence and happiness.
You have dental problems stemming from crowding or malocclusion – Crowded teeth can be more likely to sustain cavities because it’s difficult to clean between them. A bad bite can also cause jaw disorders and tooth wear. If you’ve been experiencing discomfort or malfunction from crooked teeth, taking action will have great results. You may also avoid future dental problems by straightening today.
Your teeth were once straight but grew crooked over time – Whether you had braces as a child or were genetically blessed with straight teeth, malocclusion can return. This may occur because you stopped wearing retainers, or because additional room came up in your jaw after tooth loss or gum recession from periodontal disease. As you age, something called physiologic mesial drift also takes place, and teeth shift toward the midline. Invisalign will put shifting teeth back where they belong. These cases are strong candidates for alternative orthodontics because the bite is primarily properly aligned, so gentle straightening will work well.
Just get in touch using the form to the right to get answers to any of your own questions about adult braces. We’re here to help!