No Longer Just For Kids

No Longer Just For Kids: Braces more frequent with adults

Every adult feels they have done their dues by wearing braces as a child. Once or twice, no one believes that adults should need to wear braces again. In the past, it felt like braces had an “Only for kids” stamp on it. Now, more and more adults are wearing braces for the perfect smile they desire.

Getting the perfect smile

While consistent dental hygiene and dental checkups can greatly help a patient achieve a healthy smile, they may not be enough. With many patients, orthodontic care was necessary at one time or another. An oral appliance or product can help to set a patient up with the perfect smile everyone desires.

Braces are one of the most effective ways to guarantee straight teeth in an individual. A professional will anchor the brackets onto each tooth and strings a wire through them. The professional or orthodontist can adjust the brackets to help pull the teeth into the proper position.

It is becoming more common for adults to utilize braces for a better smile. The American Association of Orthodontists, AAO, found “The number of adult orthodontic patients increased 14 percent from 2010 to 2012.” This resulted in a total of over one million patients 18 years of age and older.

While braces are thought to be unwieldy and uncomfortable, there are new models that can be almost invisible. Braces are not only useful in straightening teeth but can also help with jaw alignment.

Forms of braces include:

• Traditional metal braces
• Lingual braces
• Ceramic braces
• Invisalign®

Depending on age and a few other factors, not everyone will benefit from a specific type.

Are braces right for you?

Fortunately, people may not need to wear braces for too long; especially if they take care of the braces. For children who need braces, metal braces are the most likely choice. Even if an adult has to wear metal braces, he or she will not have to worry, since braces are now smaller and lighter than ever before.

Ceramic braces will still have the wires and brackets, but consist of materials that match the color of the teeth.

Lingual braces are another option for adults, in which the brackets are on the backside of the teeth. Lingual braces are not as easy to clean and are not usually a choice for children.

Invisalign® is a great choice for adults, since the pieces are removable and are practically invisible to others. Before selecting a type of braces or believing the worst case scenario is the reality, seek a professional opinion from a dentist.

The dentist will be able to assess the situation and decide what the best treatment will be. Crooked teeth can lead to tooth decay, infection, jaw problems, and a misaligned bite. With the technological advancements in dentistry, patients can achieve the perfect and healthy smile they desire in an efficient manner. As much as people may believe braces are the end to a social life and general appearance, there are options that will not drastically impact one's life.

Long Grove Dental

At Long Grove Dental in Long Grove, IL, we will provide patients with the necessary information and support to select the best treatment method. We want patients to leave our office with a healthier and brighter smile. After scheduling an appointment, we will examine your teeth and offer a treatment method to your needs.

We hope to set patients on the right path for a long life of healthy teeth and gums. Call us today and schedule an appointment for a dental checkup, dental issue, cleaning, or possible restoration work.