Orthodontics for adults
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, from1989 to 2012, the number of orthodontic patients has almost increased by up to 40%. Around 50% of the population, across the world, has orthodontic problems and 25% of them are adults. What is more shocking is that nearly 1.5 million adults wear braces and the number is continuously increasing.
Orthodontic problems arise when your teeth and gums don’t fit well. Some common orthodontic problems reported in adults include spacing, crowding, misplaced teeth, overbites, periodontal problems, asymmetric jaws, anterior crossbite, etc.
Many reasons contribute to these problems like genetic causes and unhealthy habits. For instance, problems like underbites and overbites are an outcome of genetic defects. Unhealthy habits like biting lips and sucking thumbs can also contribute to the situation. In addition, the arrangement and positioning of our teeth change with age which can also lead to these issues.
It is always important to treat these problems in the first place because any delay ultimately results in tooth loss. Timely treatment can restore the healthy functioning of teeth and improves overall oral health.
Potential orthodontic treatments for adults
Adults are often reluctant to seek orthodontic treatment. A survey reports that around one-third of adult patients don’t opt for braces because they feel it is painful and will impact their look badly. However, modern technology has now made orthodontic treatment a viable choice for almost all adults. At present, there are many suitable options available including;
• Invsalign
• Clear braces
• Lingual braces
• Orthodontic surgery
Invsalign or clear aligners are transparent, plastic pieces that sit over teeth and straighten them. They are also called invisible braces. You can wear them for around 20-22 hours and can take them off while eating, drinking, and cleaning the aligners. They are super comfortable and can fit your lifestyle well.
Clear braces present another suitable option for adults seeking orthodontic treatments. Clear ceramic braces or tooth-colored braces are offered now. They are simple, comfortable to wear, and a lot subtler.
One of the common adult concerns about braces is that they don’t look nice. Well, lingual braces present an effective solution to this as well! They function as traditional braces but are bonded at the back of the teeth. They are truly invisible and no-one can see them! However, lingual braces are a bit expensive option and take a lot longer to adjust and fit.
Last but not the least, orthodontic surgery works best for patients with jaw discrepancy. It is usually preferred in severe cases like extreme bad bites and abnormalities with the bones.
The effectiveness of any treatment varies with individual cases. Adult orthodontic treatments depend a lot on your lifestyle. Some habits like grinding teeth, tongue thrust, excessive nail-biting, and smoking can affect the outcome of these treatments a lot. Moreover, regular medication can also have significant impacts.
If you experience problems with your teeth, bite or are looking for an aesthetic improvement. Feel free to make an appointment so you can get more information about what can be done about your situation.
