4 Reasons Orthodontic Treatment for Adults is on the Rise

A perfectly aligned and healthy smile is a great way to make a good first impression, and orthodontic care is a beneficial way to improve alignment issues. Many people assume that braces are only for teens, but in reality, adults are coming in for orthodontic care in record numbers. 

At Beaches Dentistry, we’re proud to work with patients of all ages to help them achieve their best possible smile. Our office in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, is equipped with the latest orthodontic tools and systems, and our practitioners have extensive training and experience in treating both adolescents and adults. 

Let’s explore some of the reasons why so many adults are choosing orthodontic treatment. 

#1: Orthodontic treatment is an affordable option now 

For many families in decades past, covering the cost of orthodontic care was not within reach. That left children without access to braces and other services. Many grew up feeling self-conscious about the appearance of their smile. 

Now, many of those same people find themselves in a much more stable financial situation. They’re now able to afford the orthodontic care that was unavailable to them during their younger years. Some have dental insurance through their employer that will fully or partially cover the cost of orthodontic services. 

#2: Incomplete orthodontic treatment caused issues

Some adults began orthodontic care in childhood or teen years but were unable to complete their treatment for one reason or another. Moving to a new town might have interrupted their care, or the family’s financial landscape may have changed, making continued treatment impossible. 

Stopping orthodontic treatment early means that the original treatment plan was not completed. That could leave several alignment issues unresolved. Having braces as an adult can complete your treatment, and often takes less time than starting from scratch. 

#3: They did not wear their retainers as prescribed

Orthodontic care has an active phase when your braces or aligners are moving your teeth to optimal alignment. That phase is followed by a maintenance phase, where your retainers keep your teeth aligned over time. 

At the end of your active orthodontic care, your provider fits you for custom retainers and explains when and how often to wear these devices. If you fail to follow these instructions, your teeth can slowly shift out of alignment. Many adults need a touch-up round of orthodontic treatment to realign their smile. 

#4: They are captivated by modern orthodontic options

Perhaps the biggest reason adults are getting orthodontic care in record numbers is the ability to correct alignment issues without spending years in metal braces. Today, it’s possible to refine your smile without the look and feel of traditional metal braces. 

Today’s clear aligner systems use a series of plastic trays to provide gentle pressure that gradually moves teeth into enhanced alignment. The clear trays snap over the teeth’s surface and are worn around the clock except while eating and performing oral hygiene routines. 

Thinking about orthodontic care?

If you’re curious about what it’s like to go through orthodontic care as an adult, the Beaches Dentistry team is happy to meet with you to explain the process. After a brief exam and a discussion of your goals, we can tell you which orthodontic treatments are right for you and how long it might take to reach the smile of your dreams. 

Call us to find a time that works for you, or spend a few moments on our online booking page to schedule an appointment.