While many parents purchase braces for their children, an increasing number of adults are signing up for orthodontic treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the number of adults with braces has increased annually since 1986. Now, more than 1 million adults in the U.S. have braces.
There are a number of reasons people may choose to seek orthodontic treatment later in life. They may want a perfect smile to feel more confident while interacting with colleagues and clients. Or maybe they want to stave off plaque and food buildup, both of which are more prevalent in crooked teeth. They may also see their kids getting orthodontic treatment and desire the positive results.
Whatever the reason, there are many options for adults looking to invest in braces.
Clear aligners- These fit over teeth to subtly straighten them without drawing attention. This option is a good fix for small straightening jobs, but is not useful for very crooked or crossed teeth. The widely used Invisalign is a name brand example of a clear aligner.
Ceramic braces- Consider this option a subtler version of traditional metal brackets. Although they work the same way, the wires and brackets are clear or tooth-colored which make them less noticeable. The down side to ceramic braces is that they are generally a little bulkier than metal braces and more prone to break.
Lingual braces- This type of braces is best for those who have significant overcrowding or misalignment problems, but do not want to wear traditional metal braces. This treatment necessitates the installation of brackets on the back of the teeth so it is not visible when you’re speaking. Lingual braces are a bit more difficult to install and may require more orthodontist visits than other types of braces.
Metal braces- Despite the inclination toward the variety of more aesthetic orthodontic options, today’s metal braces are not as cumbersome as braces from the past decade or so. They are more lightweight and do not wrap all the way around teeth. Traditional braces not only tend to reduce treatment time, but are also often the least expensive – leading to more adults choosing this option than in years past.
For more information on adult braces, visit http://jusmiles.wavemagazineonline.com/treatment-options/. To schedule an appointment, call 904-256-7846.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/straight-talk-about-braces-for-adults
http://www.completelyyou.com/feature/oralcare/adult_braces/#.VVTi9N2bFnQ