When the subject of orthodontic treatment comes up in conversation, what’s the first thing you think of? If you automatically envision an adolescent in a full set of metal braces, you’re not alone! This is a stereotype with serious staying power, thanks in part to numerous sightings in pop culture over the years. Teens do indeed make up the biggest percentage of orthodontic patients, but children and adults are closing that gap with every passing year. The increase in new adult patients has been particularly impressive—with 1 in 3 patients now over the age of 18, this demographic has grown at an astounding rate!
Here at New England Orthodontic Specialists, we hear from adults every day who are worried that it’s too late to achieve the straight smile they’ve always wanted. Fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth! You’re never too old to improve your oral health with orthodontic care. If you’ve spent a lifetime feeling unhappy with the way your teeth look or function, there’s never been a better time to look into all the benefits that treatment can offer. Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving the increase in adult patients and how orthodontics can help you achieve a confident smile of your own!
Understanding the importance of a healthy smile
Most adolescents in braces or aligners are undergoing orthodontic treatment because their parents have chosen it for them. While younger patients are certainly able to understand the importance of treatment—and often love the final results—adults usually have a better “real world” understanding of how braces or aligners can positively impact their lives.
We also tend to learn more about the many ways our oral health is connected to our total body health as we get older. This can lead to some adults seeking out orthodontic treatment to keep their smiles in the best possible shape. As an adult, you’ll be able to grasp what orthodontic treatment truly is: an investment of your time and finances that pays off in a big way with improved oral health and increased self-confidence!
Looking to the future
Everyone knows that braces and aligners can improve the cosmetic appearance of just about any smile, but the benefits don’t stop there! Crooked or crowded teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Misalignment can cause excess wear on the teeth and enamel, which may lead to chronic headaches, jaw aches, and pain in the face and neck.
Orthodontic treatment can reduce or eliminate symptoms like these. It can also help protect you from serious oral health problems in the future. This will not only give you a healthier smile with improved function, but it can also mean major financial savings. That’s definitely something adults with bills to pay can appreciate!
Affordable treatment options
It’s easier than ever to achieve a confident new smile, thanks to a range of affordable treatment options to fit every budget! We know how confusing the financial side of treatment can be, and our goal is to make it an easy and stress-free process for you. To that end, we’ve fostered working relationships with the top insurance companies and offer payment plans for qualifying patients. We also have discount programs and will work with your dental insurance to make the most of any orthodontic coverage. For your convenience, our office staff is always available to help you with claims and paperwork.
A variety of treatment options are now available
Not so many years ago, metal braces were the only option for anyone looking to straighten their smile. We now have multiple ways to align the teeth and jaws! Our practice is proud to offer the following treatments for a complete smile transformation.
Metal Braces
Metal braces have undergone a pretty major makeover in recent years. The brackets are much smaller and no longer wrap around the entire tooth. Thinner archwires are used to move the teeth with more comfort and speed. You can even put a pop of personality into your treatment journey by choosing fun colors for your elastic bands! Metal braces have a long track record of success and can be ideal for treating more serious or complex cases. They also tend to be the most economical treatment option.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are the same shape and size as metal braces but have the added benefit of translucent brackets which blend in nicely with your natural smile. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics, they provide a very subtle treatment option for image-conscious patients! While the ceramic brackets are durable, they can be more prone to breakage than metal brackets. For this reason, we usually only recommend them for our teen and adult patients.
Invisalign clear aligner system
Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to move the teeth. These are made from a special thermoplastic resin and customized to fit firmly but comfortably over your teeth. Because they’re removable, they provide adult patients with a bit more freedom and flexibility than braces. You’ll be able to eat as you normally would with no food restrictions, and dental hygiene is simple to maintain. When worn as directed, Invisalign can be just as effective as braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.
Get the healthy smile you deserve with New England Orthodontic Specialists
You’re never too old to take advantage of all the benefits orthodontics has to offer! Whatever your age, our expert team can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re in Beverly, Topsfield, or the surrounding areas, get in touch! We’d love to schedule you for a FREE consultation with Dr. Diana or Dr. Neil. You don’t have to settle for a smile you don’t love! We’re here to help you take the first step towards improved oral health and a smile you’ll want to share with everyone around you.
