The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that over a quarter of all orthodontic patients in the United States and Canada are adults. That certainly lines up with the number of Simpsonville and Greer braces and Invisalign patients who are grown-ups at our practice. Whether you never had orthodontic treatment before or you experienced a relapse after forgetting to wear your retainer for a bit, adulthood is an excellent time to straighten your teeth. At Davis Orthodontics, we can make it work for your lifestyle and needs to help you get a smile you love at any age. Here’s what you need to know about adult orthodontics:
1. Adult orthodontic treatment has amazing benefits.
Getting braces as an adult or wearing Invisalign will give you a fantastic smile, which can improve your facial appearance and boost your confidence. This confidence carries over into all areas of your life, including your work and relationships. In a survey of adult orthodontic patients, almost eight in 10 adult respondents said straightening their teeth gave them the confidence to do something they never would have done before they received treatment. That’s huge! Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves and have the confidence to tackle their dreams and goals.
Beyond your own feelings about your teeth, for better or worse, our appearance also plays a role in first impressions and our smile is one of the first things people notice about us. The American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics published a study that found people with ideal smiles were considered more intelligent and have a greater chance at finding a job when compared with people with crooked teeth. Having straight teeth can enhance your social life and, possibly, your career.
Yet, the benefits of adult orthodontics aren’t just cosmetic. Straightening your teeth and aligning your bite can improve your oral health and, in turn, your overall health. Here are some of the perks:
- Straight teeth are easier to clean and the gums will fit snugly around each tooth, which wards off tooth decay and gum disease. Gum disease has been tied to a host of medical conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, among others.
- Having an aligned bite can improve the function of your teeth and jaw by allowing you to breathe, speak and chew properly, as well as alleviating jaw pain and pressure.
- When teeth are in their proper places, it reduces uneven wear.
- By shifting protruding teeth back, you’re less likely to experience a dental injury.
2. You won’t be in orthodontic treatment forever!
Over the years, braces and Invisalign have both seen some serious upgrades as far as materials and engineering. Plus, treatment planning has become increasingly more precise thanks to innovations such as our iTero® digital scanner and digital x-rays that provide detailed visual information. When you combine the computerized treatment planning Dr. Buddy uses with advances like shape-memory arch wires or Invisalign’s SmartTrack® material, you get results a lot sooner than you would have in the past. Of course, there are benefits to seeking treatment when you’re still growing. However, in most cases, the teeth move just as efficiently at 15 as they do at 50. If your smile concerns are due to a skeletal issue, there are still a variety of techniques and treatment options that will allow us to give you lasting, beautiful results. Additionally, much of the success of treatment is based on compliance and adults tend to be responsible and willing to wear their aligners or rubber bands according to plan, which can lead to a better outcome.
3. Adults are great candidates for esthetic, under-the-radar treatments.
Getting braces as an adult doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have to wear metal braces. Though, we do have to say, modern metal braces are a great option for grown-ups and they’re smaller, more attractive and more comfortable than they were even a decade ago. But we understand if you’d prefer something more discreet. The good news is, adults do really well with choices like Invisalign, self-ligating and conventional ceramic braces and Incognito® lingual braces. Dr. Buddy is the only Premier Provider of Incognito braces in the Upstate of South Carolina. These braces are the least visible of any option because they’re bonded to the back of the teeth and are hidden from view when you smile. Or, if you’d prefer removable clear aligners, we’re a leading Simpsonville and Greer Invisalign provider. Most people won’t be able to tell you’re wearing the aligners.
4. Today’s orthodontic options for adults are more comfortable than ever.
Invisalign aligners are custom-made to your mouth and they’re crafted from smooth plastic. There are no brackets and wires to cause irritation and you can take them out to eat and brush and floss for maximum convenience and comfort. As for adult braces, the smaller, custom brackets and thinner wires we use with choices like our Incognito lingual braces and Clarity™ ADVANCED ceramic braces aren’t just low profile, they’re more comfortable too. Our self-ligating braces don’t use elastics or metal ties so there is less friction.
5. The cost of braces and Invisalign is probably less than you’d think.
Adult orthodontics doesn’t have to break the bank. We think all of our patients should have access to amazing care and results. That’s why we accept all major insurance plans. We also offer interest-free, flexible financing. We’ll sit down with you to develop a plan that works for your budget.
To learn more about your options for adult braces or Invisalign, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Buddy Davis today!
