Why are more adults getting braces?
Information courtesy of Colgate.com
As braces have become less bulky and visible in recent years, more and more adults are wearing them, for a variety of reasons. Some adults want to correct problems with their teeth or jaws before they cause serious or further damage. Others want to feel better about their appearance by addressing longstanding cosmetic concerns. Keep in mind that even “cosmetic” problems can cause real damage over time. Teeth and jaws that are not aligned properly can lead to premature wear and tear, advanced tooth decay and gum disease, dentures or other reconstructive solutions and even more extensive surgery to correct serious problems.
New techniques and the advent of clear, less noticeable braces (as seen in the upper arch of the above picture) means that adults are increasingly turning to braces to correct:
- Gaps between teeth (spacing)
- Teeth that push against one another (crowding)
- Crooked teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
How do I know if adult braces are right for me?
If you think you might benefit from braces, ask one of our friendly staff at Underwood Dental Care. They’d be happy to book in a time that will allow me to look at your teeth and maybe take X-rays to study the underlying bone structure. Based on what I find, a treatment plan will be recommended. While braces are a popular option for fixing misaligned teeth, I’ll be able to tell you whether you may benefit more from other types of orthodontics such as removable retainers or aligners (eg. Invisalign).