A smile is worth a thousand words. A smile is the catalyst to self-confidence. It‘s as some have even said, a smile can change the world. Sometime after the invention of the mirror, but no later than 1,000 B.C., ancient Greeks began using metals and cat gut in a determined effort to make the smile provided by nature better. Today, gifted orthodontic specialists shape dazzling smiles while creating optimal form and function.
It’s A Great Feeling, At Any Age.
While you may first think of teenagers when you think of braces, orthodontic treatment can benefit people regardless of their age. In fact, about one in every five orthodontic patients today is over age 18. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structures are healthy.
Orthodontists offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups including adults. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. The mechanics involved in the movement of teeth are essentially the same in adults as in children.
Gaps between teeth, crowding, protruding front teeth and teeth in abnormal positions are all problems that can be corrected in adults by the orthodontist. However, because an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing, certain conditions cannot be resolved with braces alone. Sometimes, surgery is required to obtain the correct result. The health of teeth, gums and supporting bone as well as jaw relationships are key factors in determining the prospects of improving one’s appearance through orthodontic treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends treatment for adults, when appropriate, in conjunction with regular dental care. By working together, the dental team can achieve results for patients that cannot be produced alone. Final treatment decisions should be made in consultation with the family dentist, the orthodontist and other specialists if necessary. Visit the AAO Web site, www.braces.org to learn more.
Reasons Correction of Orthodontic Problems are Important to Adults:
- Can help prevent or improve periodontal problems
- Can help prevent or reduce further bone loss around teeth
- Improves ability of the dentist to restore missing teeth
- Improves aesthetics for a better smile and facial appearance
- Improves function of teeth
- Improves oral health
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. Admission to orthodontic programs is extremely competitive and selective. It takes many years to become an orthodontist and the educational requirements are demanding. An orthodontist must complete college requirements before starting a three to five year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA).
The program includes advanced education in biomedical, behavioral and basic sciences. The orthodontist learns the complex skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) as well as make decisions that can enhance or diminish facial appearance. When choosing an orthodontist for you and your family’s special smiles, you want exceptional training and credentials on your side.
Adults and Orthodontics 2010
Orthodontics in the 21st century offers clinically proven technologies that significantly reduce treatment time, fewer appointments and higher-quality results – a fantastic smile with SureSmile® that uses detailed 3-D computer model of your teeth that precisely plots individual tooth movement throughout the treatment process.
By using customized SureSmile® archwires, the orthodontist can move each tooth to the target position in a direct path. SureSmile® technology uses robotic hands to precisely bend archwires to your unique prescription. SureSmile® provides maximum control of tooth movement and this efficiency saves you time in treatment.
Other advancements are offered with the Damon System, as well as clear removable braces like Invisalign. Fees for orthodontic care vary with the complexity of the treatment and may vary according to geographic region. Ask your orthodontic specialist about treatment fees and payment options, as well as your insurance benefits.
A Smile for any Age 7 to 70
- When you visit an orthodontist ask about the orthodontic technology solutions offered.
- Keep in mind that orthodontic treatment can benefit adults. Less visible, more comfortable braces make treatment more appealing than ever and healthy teeth, bones and gums of almost any age respond well to treatment.
- Choose an orthodontist—the dental specialist who is uniquely qualified to treat orthodontic problems.
- Remember that successful orthodontic treatment is the result of a partnership. The orthodontist, family dentist, and especially a cooperative patient all work together to create a healthy, beautiful smile that’s good for life
A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person’s general attitude toward life. People with beautiful smiles have a lot to be happy about. Call a board certified orthodontist. Your new smile can begin today!
