The New Age of Adult Orthodontics

By Richard Anthony, DDS MS – Blackhawk Orthodontics

www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com

@BlackhawkLivingCA

These days, people of all ages want to straighten their teeth. In fact, a huge number of adults are hopping on the braces bandwagon to get the grin they have always wanted. Since the early ‘90s, the percentage of adult patients in the typical American orthodontic practice has grown from less than 5% to over 30% of the total patient population. Most orthodontists agree it is definitely the fastest growing segment of their practice.

Today’s teeth are staying stronger longer. “A generation ago, adults didn’t always keep their teeth, much less straighten them,” says Leslie A. Will, DMD, of Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. We have gone beyond tooth survival she adds. “People want their teeth to be healthier. They want their bite to be better, and they want them to look great.”

Adult orthodontic therapy frequently does not always involve fullmouth (comprehensive) treatment, as is most common in young patients. But rather, may only involve a partial segment of teeth (limited treatment) that is often related to some other necessary dental procedure such as a veneer, crown, of implant restoration.

Whether the proposed orthodontic treatment is comprehensive or limited in scope, most adult patients have alternate options other than traditional metal braces- -such as ceramic toothcolored braces or Invisalign clear removable aligners- -to move the teeth. Adult patients also need to know what they are getting into before committing to orthodontic treatment. If there is active gum disease, that will need to be treated before initiating orthodontic therapy. Also, once treatment has started, you will need to make time for the office visits every 4 to 6 weeks, watch carefully what you eat so you don’t break the braces, and plan to brush and floss longer than before.

As long as your teeth, bones, and gums are healthy enough—it is never too late to create a more perfect smile!