Why are more adults turning to orthodontic procedures? Almost half of the UK population are unhappy with their smile with a common cosmetic complaint being crooked or misaligned teeth. Orthodontic procedures can gently shift the teeth back into a more natural position using braces.
A common misconception surrounding orthodontics is that the treatment is only available for younger patients. This is because traditional orthodontics usually last 2 years and requires a metal brace to be worn throughout the course of treatment. Something many adults feel they cannot commit to.
The truth is, modern orthodontics has advanced dramatically in recent years and treatment is much more suited for adults than it once was. In this post, we will look at exactly what orthodontics is and why more adults are turning to orthodontic procedures for treatment.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry which is commonly used to treat malocclusions of the teeth. Malocclusions are misalignments of a person’s teeth and bite which can cause oral health complications as well as cosmetic concerns. Oral health problems include overcrowding, overbite, spacing and impacted teeth. Teeth that are overcrowded are more difficult to clean which can lead to dental decay and gum problems.To address these problems a brace is worn by the patient which gently moves the teeth into a more natural position over time, usually up to two years.
Orthodontics can completely transform a person’s life, however, treatment is much more effective in younger patients. When the adult teeth are developing they are much more flexible, making them easier to correct. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot have treatment as an adult. Regardless of your age the teeth can still be moved and realigned but treatment can take longer.
Why are more adults turning to orthodontic procedures?
Orthodontics offers solutions to two common complaints an adult might face. The first reason will be to correct malocclusions of the teeth. Although many adults are put off by the thought of wearing a brace for two years, this is something they will have to go through. There’s no quick fix to treat misalignments of the teeth and problems with the bite.
The second reason, and the more common one, is to fix a cosmetic complaint, improving the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and smile. Although a brace will still need to be worn, cosmetic complaints can be fixed at a much faster rate due to innovative treatment options. It’s possible to treat a patient within 6 months and give them the beautiful smile they once only dreamed of.
A treatment known as Short Term Orthodontics (STO) is what makes this possible and why more adults are turning to orthodontic procedures.
What is short term orthodontics?
When your main goal is to improve your smile by straightening your teeth, short term orthodontics offers a viable solution. The treatment is specifically designed for adults who have minor to moderate teeth crowding and misalignments. Treatment can last anywhere from 4 – 9 months but on average is completed in 6.
Short term orthodontics uses the same techniques as traditional orthodontics, however with one significant difference. The end goal is slightly different. Rather than correcting a patient’s bite the sole purpose of STO is to fix a patient’s cosmetic complaint with treatments such as Six Month Smiles and Invisalign in Cornwall. Traditional orthodontics will gently move all the teeth into a more natural position, however, STO mainly focuses on the front teeth. The ones visible when you talk, smile and laugh.
Traditional orthodontics can essentially be split into two separate phases, STO will only focus on the first one. The two phases are;
- Phase 1: Gently de-rotate, level and align the teeth that might be out of position.
- Phase 2: Ensure all teeth, particularly the back ones, match up with current standards of orthodontics. Correcting malocclusions of the teeth.
There is a range of short term orthodontic treatments available all varying in their approach. Here at Revitalise, we use the innovative treatment; Six Month Smiles® clear braces to fix a patient’s cosmetic complaint.
Six Month Smiles® clear braces
Developed in the USA, Six Month Smiles clear braces achieve exactly what the name suggests. Using a brace made of clear brackets and tooth coloured wires, we can transform your smile within 6 months. Perfect for adults turning to orthodontic procedures as the brace is virtually unnoticeable from long and short distances.
Although wearing a brace for 6 months might seem daunting, you will quickly adjust and time will fly by. Six Month Smiles is usually less expensive than traditional orthodontics and will start around £3,500. The time and money you invest can completely transform your life and give you the confidence to smile without a second thought.
If a bigger concern for you is the initial cost rather than the length of treatment, we can help. Here at Revitalise, we offer all of our patients a range of patient finance options to help spread the cost over time.
Am I able to have orthodontic treatment
As we previously mentioned, anyone can have orthodontic treatment regardless of age, assuming their oral health is in good standing. It’s important before any treatment is started to have a full dental health check. This will determine any underlying oral health complications which could affect treatment.
If your teeth are badly crowded, you may need to have additional treatment before starting orthodontics. This ensures the brace fits correctly and reduces the pressure caused by overlapping. We will use a procedure known as an interproximal reduction to file the teeth down. Although this might sound intimidating, it’s a quick and harmless process. Interproximal reduction consists of removing a very thin layer of the tooth’s enamel.
Find out more
If you have wondered why more adults are turning to orthodontic procedures and feel treatment could be beneficial for you, book in for a consultation at Revitalise today. From here we can discuss Cornwall cosmetic dentistry treatment options with you further and provide you with the opportunity to tour our beautiful facilities and meet our friendly team.
Your treatment will be looked after by Dr Alkisti Vousvouni who is a silver provider of Six Month Smiles and specifically trained in this area of expertise. Your new smile couldn’t be in safer hands!
