The Growing Trend of Adult Orthodontics

Have you noticed that many adult patients are considering orthodontic treatment nowadays? Earlier, teens and children commonly reported misaligned teeth and bite problems, which needed proper diagnosis and treatment planning. However, there is a growing trend in adult orthodontics, and individuals between 18 and 80 embrace straighter smiles.

Crowding, uneven spacing, and excessive tooth wear are some of the consequences of ignoring early orthodontic care. If you are an adult wanting functional and aesthetic improvements for your smile, it’s possible with modern treatments. Get insights into corrective dental solutions for older individuals in this blog.

Straightening Smiles at Any Age: What’s Behind the Trend?

A confident smile can boost self-esteem and enhance both personal and professional relationships. Many adults who couldn’t explore orthodontics in their younger years now turn to orthodontists to achieve straighter teeth.

Any kind of dental misalignment can lead to oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw pain. Addressing these concerns with corrective dental procedures can significantly improve overall health. Besides, technological advancements have made orthodontic care more accessible, comfortable, and discreet. This is why many mature individuals and working professionals depend on adult orthodontics to meet their oral care needs.

What is Adult Orthodontics?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, around one in three orthodontic patients are adults. This group mainly includes seniors and working professionals who are aware of the significance of smile aesthetics and oral health. Adult orthodontics aims to create a balanced bite and improve facial harmony, giving you a healthy mouth. It involves personalized treatment planning, considering your existing dental restoration, bone density, and lifestyle. This approach provides functional benefits for older individuals, including easier cleaning, reduced tooth wear, and less jaw strain.

Issues in Adults Addressed with Orthodontic Care

Let’s understand some common imperfections in adults that can be treated with orthodontic care:

• Crooked or Misaligned Teeth: Uneven teeth can make chewing and speaking difficult, affecting oral hygiene.
• Overbites and Underbites: These bite issues can cause jaw pain, excessive tooth wear, and difficulty chewing correctly.
• Gaps Between Teeth: Spaces between teeth can trap food particles, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Crowded Teeth: It is difficult to clean teeth that overlap, which can result in plaque buildup and possible dental problems.
• TMJ Disorders and Jaw pain: Misaligned teeth can exacerbate jaw strain, which can cause discomfort and persistent pain.

Popular Orthodontic Options for Grown-Ups

Below are the top choices for the adult population in the US looking for a smile transformation.

Invisalign: The Clear Choice for Adult Patients

Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments, especially among individuals above 19 years old. It consists of clear aligners that gradually shift teeth into place. These dental trays are virtually invisible, which is why many professionals and individuals who want a discreet solution choose them.
Transparent dental trays are removable for brushing, eating, and drinking. During adult orthodontic treatment, this lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease by making it simpler to maintain good oral hygiene.

A 3D scan of the teeth is the first step in the treatment procedure, which aids in the fabrication of a set of specially designed aligners. Every few weeks, patients gradually move their teeth into alignment by switching to a new pair of aligners. Depending on the extent of oral problems, the typical course of treatment lasts anywhere from 12 to 18 months.

A Quicker Alternative for Teeth Alignment: Invisalign Express

For people with minor alignment problems, Invisalign Express is an advanced approach to clear aligner treatment. It provides a quicker and less expensive alternative to the conventional Invisalign treatment for teeth straightening.

For patients who previously wore braces but experienced slight shifting over time, this solution is perfect. Invisalign Express usually takes about six months to complete and requires fewer aligners. It produces faster teeth straightening results while maintaining the same level of ease and discrete appearance as traditional orthodontic care.

Conventional Braces: Still a Trustworthy Choice

Traditional braces are still a good option for complicated alignment problems, even though many people choose transparent aligners. Modern dental aligners are now less obtrusive and more pleasant because of advancements in orthodontic technology. These days, braces come in a variety of sizes, including enamel-colored braces that match natural teeth.

Seniors with considerable misalignment, severe crowding, or bite abnormalities benefit from traditional braces. These fixed orthodontic appliances are constantly adjusted, guaranteeing accurate and efficient tooth movement. The length of treatment usually varies from 18 to 24 months, depending on the complication of misaligned teeth.

The Advantages of Corrective Dental Care for Adults

You can expect the following benefits whether you choose braces, Invisalign, or Invisalign Express:

• Improved Oral Hygiene: Properly aligned teeth are simpler to keep clean. They reduce the risks of cavities and periodontal disease.
• Better Bite Function: By addressing bite problems, orthodontic treatment helps avoid jaw pain and uneven tooth wear.
• Enhanced Confidence: A beautifully aligned smile leaves a lasting impression in social and professional events and boosts self-esteem.
• Preventing Dental Problems: Early correction of misaligned teeth can help avoid more severe dental issues like enamel erosion and irreversible tooth loss.

Choosing orthodontics as an adult is a personal and brave decision. If you are experiencing misalignments or bite issues or are self-conscious about your smile, consult with your local orthodontist in Ahwatukee. With advancements in orthodontic technology, achieving a straighter smile is possible even when you age.

Visit Woolaver Orthodontics to correct misaligned teeth or bite problems with Invisalign, Invisalign Express, or traditional braces. Book your consultation with Dr. Chris Woolaver to learn more about adult orthodontics or other smile enhancement options.