Our favorite thing to post on social media is a picture of one our patients showing off a brand new smile. Just scroll through our Facebook timeline or check us out on Instagram, and you will enjoy seeing all of our RVO Smiles: Photo after photo of smiling patients who have just finished their braces or Invisalign treatment. If you look closely, you will see that about 20 percent of our patients in The New Smiles Club are adults!
Children and teens continue to make up the larger segment of our practice, but industry-wide an increasing number of adults are seeking orthodontic treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the number of adult orthodontic patients has been rising steadily since the late 80s. Today, some 20 percent of orthodontic patients are over the age of 18.
Advances in orthodontic appliances and technology have given us so many treatment choices, many of which are perfect for adults. So if you’ve been considering braces but think you’re too old or that you won’t be able to fit them into your lifestyle, neither could be further from the truth. The fact is, there has never been a better time to see an orthodontist for adult treatment!
Why do adults get braces?
Some adults who come to our practice have already had braces. As we age, our teeth tend to shift unless retainers are worn regularly. In other cases, adults who have had braces seek treatment for a misalignment after an injury to the mouth or jaw or the loss of a tooth.
Many adults we evaluate have been referred to us because they are planning an extensive dental procedure following the orthodontic treatment. Pre-prosthetic orthodontic treatment is becoming more important to properly plan for future crowns, bridges, veneers or implants. In this situation, our goal is to build a strong, healthy foundation to support the future dental work so that it will be long-lasting.
Most adult patients seek orthodontic treatment for a problem they’ve had since childhood that has never been corrected and has usually gotten worse. Whatever the reason for the delay, it is never too late to achieve a healthier bite and more beautiful smile.
What are the benefits of braces for adults?
Adults who get orthodontic treatment can improve their health in so many ways, including the prevention or relief of:
- Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, which can cause tooth, gum and bone loss.
- Tooth decay, which can occur when crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss.
- Speech impediments caused by crooked teeth.
- Trouble chewing, which can lead to digestive problems.
- Irregular wear of tooth enamel.
- Chipping or breaking teeth, when the teeth protrude.
- Headaches related to crowding or jaw misalignment.
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD, also called TMJ).
It is also important to note that tooth decay and gum disease have been linked to heart disease and high blood sugar, so orthodontics can have a dramatic effect on your overall health.
Am I a candidate for adult braces?
During your consultation, we will:
- Assess the overall health of the teeth, gums and bone. If an adult patient has developed periodontal disease, we’ll work with the patient’s general dentist or periodontist to get that under control before we begin orthodontic treatment. If you have significant gum recession or bone loss, orthodontics might not be the right option.
- Check your bite for any problems and look for alignment issues, spacing or crowding.
- Consider your dental history and take a look at any previous work that’s been done.
- Discuss a detailed plan that outlines your treatment, goals and estimated fees.
What are the types of adult braces?
How much will adult braces cost?
