Adult orthodontic treatment has been growing increasingly more popular over the recent years. As we become more self-aware through social media, celebrity endorsements, and word of mouth, there is more of a desire to achieve that healthy and beautiful smile that we all long for. There are many times when a 40-something year old patient comes in saying that they had braces in the past but didn’t wear their retainer, which may require a simple fix. Other times we’ll get the patient who comes in for a consultation that didn’t have the opportunity as an adolescent to get treatment, but are self-conscious and finally have a chance to go through with it. Whatever it may be, we can make their desires a reality. Regardless of the complexity or their past, we are seeing tons of adult patients and creating the smiles they have always wanted! I would say that approximately 1/4 or more of our patients are adults and we are treating in all sorts of ways. For example, there are the esthetic options of Invisalign for complex and simple cases alike, or clear braces which function the same way as their metal brace counterparts, but they are less visible. There are even adults who proceed with metal braces, both traditional and the high performance Damon braces that we offer, and they are loving it! Don’t believe that age is the defining factor for whether you can get orthodontic treatment or not - we are seeing patients that are even in their eighties, and that’s no joke!

The point is, Orthodontics is NOT just for children, and Orthodontics does NOT only mean traditional metal braces. With the incredible advances in technology and the desire for esthetic options, adults are thriving in our practice as we transform their smiles, and doing so in a comfortable manner. There isn’t much of a time commitment no matter the route you choose. At our practice, we follow up closely with your own dentist and gum specialists as needed to make sure we keep the teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment. There are certain risks as we age that come with having crooked or mal-aligned teeth including risk of periodontal disease (gum disease and even bone loss) as well as the inability to properly cleanse areas of overcrowding resulting in possible cavities. Having straight teeth means having healthier and better functioning teeth, plus they look great too. In future issues we will talk more about orthodontic treatment in respect to the “DIY” or “do-it-yourself” type treatments that you see commercials for all the time, and the dangers of it that they don’t show. At this time it remains an option, and I’m sure you know someone who is going through it or considering it. However, I want to make sure you know that adult treatment being possible does not mean doing it on your own – you should always see an orthodontic specialist at least for an evaluation and to be properly diagnosed, especially as an adult. The follow up and care necessary with the adult dentition is worth putting in the hands of a trustworthy and certified specialist.