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 clear aligners.
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 clear aligners are 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 orthodontists now claim that half their teeth straightening patients are adults. No doubt improvements in discreet orthodontic treatment options helped to make this possible.
Request an appointment here: https://www.brooksideorthodontics.com/ or call Brookside Orthodontics at (209) 229-4009 for an appointment in our Stockton office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
In recent years, clear aligners have become more popular due to their benefits. Many people choose aligners because they are comfortable and removable. Others also appreciate that aligners offer a discreet way to straighten teeth. The appliances can effectively move your teeth into a more aesthetically pleasing position. Read on to find out more about…
Clear aligners offer a convenient and effective way to straighten your smile discreetly. Contrary to some beliefs, clear aligners are actually ideal for many people. Patients are usually surprised to hear that they are good candidates for clear aligners. Fortunately, clear aligners are a good solution for individuals with many straightening needs. Read on to…
Invisalign delivers optimal results when patients wear the aligners consistently every day. While the trays may seem simple to use, treatment success depends on following the recommended schedule. As an orthodontist, one of the most common questions we receive is, “How many hours should I wear my aligners each day?” and “What happens if I…
When a patient begins teeth-straightening treatments, clear aligners are a great option. However, some patients might wonder about the length of the treatment time. It might feel frustrating that the process seems to take a while. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect and how long the treatment will most likely last.After…