Twenty years ago there was a stigma attached to braces, which has led to today’s adults being daunted by donning “train tracks” and being laughed at by their peers. This social unacceptance made individuals less inclined to get braces. In the last 10 years, celebrities such as, Tom Cruise and Gwen Stefani smiling with braces have made them more acceptable, especially for adults. While many individuals tend to think that braces are just for young children and teens, adults can truly benefit from orthodontic treatment as well. In North America, the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment increased by 37% in the last ten years, as noted by Orthodontic Associations. For example, at Aura Orthodontics nearly 25% of all our patients are adults. Hence, we felt compelled to write the following article, which will delve into everything you need to know about adult treatment and finally making your smile as beautiful as you’ve always wanted it.
Health Help & Boosting Your Confidence
Many individuals state that a healthy, straight smile is one of the first things they notice about others; unfortunately, not all of us are comfortable with the alignment of our pearly whites. If the condition of your teeth is leading to insecurity and making it harder for you to complete daily tasks, both at the office and in social settings, then orthodontic treatment may be the perfect solution. If you’re unhappy with the condition of your smile, then you may be a good candidate for orthodontics. Orthodontics can make a real difference to an adult’s health – an incorrect bite can cause jaw and muscle strain and headaches, and it can be harder to clean crooked teeth. But health concerns are not the only motivation for a perfectly straight smile. Adults not happy with their smiles and who feel their self-confidence diminished are becoming more prepared to spend time and money on achieving a fantastic smile. At Aura Orthodontics, it is this group of patients that give us the greatest feeling of satisfaction and to be personally involved in helping them make that transition is truly priceless and rewarding.
Correct Misalignments
Overbites, underbites, crossbites, as well as jam-packed ” pearly white’s ” might cause grinding along with other troubles that could be all remedied with orthodontic treatment. In some instances, orthodontics can relieve signs and symptoms from TMD (or Temporomandibular joint disorder) and also headaches. Overall, adults suffering from misalignments may also be ideal candidates for orthodontic treatment, as untreated issues can lead to bone loss, gum deterioration, tooth decay, and abnormal tooth wear. Some of the most common alignment issues include:
- Overcrowded teeth caused by a narrow jaw
- Spaces and gaps that may lead to uneven spacing of teeth
- Overbite, or condition in which there is overlap with lower teeth
- Underbite, or condition where lower teeth protrude further than the upper teeth
- Upper teeth that do not rest properly on the lower teeth, also known as a cross-bite
- Upper and lower front teeth that do not meet when biting down, also known as an open bite
Options
Now that we have covered misalignment issues, there have been great developments in the discipline of orthodontia and the many different types of solutions available. In the past, the only option for orthodontic treatment was braces. Today, older individuals can easily pick from regular stainless steel braces in addition to much less apparent braces. One option is pure sapphire crystal braces that are sometimes known as transparent braces; consequently, they have a see-through appearance. At our own office at Aura, we have seen that the greatest advancement in adult orthodontic treatment, by far, has been Invisalign®. Invisalign® is based on a sequence of trays that are changed with time and are popular because of the aesthetics and absence of wiring. They are clear, totally smooth, and invisible. That’s right – that means no metal, no poking wires, and adults have the liberty of removing them for important occasions – all these factors work great for most adult orthodontic treatment.
It is important to note that adult orthodontic treatment plans have the possibility of taking a bit longer compared to children. The adult mouth often is already established; therefore moving teeth incrementally takes a bit longer. However, just like young people, treatments fluctuate in intensity dependant on severeness. On average, adult tooth braces remedies will need between one to two years, and use of retainers afterwards.
So, how do you get started?
STEP ONE
When you are ready to investigate orthodontic treatment further, you will first need to book an appointment with Aura Orthodontics for a consultation. This complimentary consultation is a great opportunity for you to have all of your questions about adult orthodontics answered by ask Dr. Sharma.
STEP TWO
If you wish to proceed, we are always prepared to take a mold of your teeth, x-rays, and facial photos.
STEP THREE
Dr. Sharma develops a treatment plan especially for you. You will attend an appointment to discuss the plan, process, and costs associated with your custom treatment. From there you will follow the plan. Dr. Sharma and all the staff at Aura Orthodontics will work with you to make sure that you have a pleasant experience throughout the process.
Adults – Brace yourself, Dr. Sharma and adult orthodontics will not only help with alignment, but actually inspire confidence. Having helped countless adult patients straighten their teeth and correct their bite, Dr. Sharma understands that it takes a lot of courage to let go of the fears and uncertainties that hold us back. You are not alone. We are here to help.
