Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids and teens and our orthodontists love our adult patients for their uniqueness and interesting personalities. Many adults think and dream of orthodontic treatment but are indecisive about taking the plunge and starting treatment. Some adults have told us “kids come first, I’ll do it when they are done.” Other parents say they didn’t even know the orthodontic side of our practice loves seeing adults while others just don’t want to wear braces and are not sure if they are candidates for Invisalign. Whatever the reason you’ve been waiting for, maybe this article is the nudge that gets you off the sidelines and into the evaluation chair with one of our orthodontists. Adult treatment is more common than ever and, in fact, 1 in 5 orthodontic patients in 2019 are adults.
The best part about orthodontic treatment is that it is a very holistic way to improve your health. The materials used are temporary and there are no changes to the teeth or gums outside of their position. Many adults are choosing to get treatment for their health (ease of cleaning teeth, periodontal gum tissue health, sleep apnea, soft tissue support from proper positioning of hard tissues). Orthodontic treatment is about so much more than improving your appearance.
Better yet, this is perhaps the best time yet to have orthodontic treatment as patients get to take advantage of how far orthodontic technology has come such as 3D imaging and printing or sophisticated and patient friendly clear aligners!
Reasons you should consider getting orthodontic treatment:
- Dental and gum health: Straight teeth are easier to clean and floss, which means nice breath, clean teeth, healthy gums and better dental checkups.
- Reducing the risk of gum disease can improve heart health as inflammatory mediators associated with gum disease are associated with heart disease
- Much nicer and more confident smile: Straight teeth gives you more confidence in your smile, which may improve quality of life
- Bad bites: underbite, overbite, also called malocclusions: These are not only problematic for your appearance, but also put pressure on your jaw and teeth. This can lead to abrasion and wear and tear on the teeth. This can also lead to TMJ disorder.
- Overcrowded teeth or too much space between teeth, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease
- Jaw pain from pressure due to crooked teeth or bruxism (grinding) associated with the bad bite
Your options for treatment
Braces are still a very common tool to fix more robust orthodontic problems. But these days, your braces don’t always have to be metal. There are amazing new options that can be custom designed to your needs. Whatever you choose, our orthodontists tailor the treatment specifically to your problem set and will support you every step of the way.
Types of braces:
- Ceramic braces
- Clear plastic braces (Invisalign)
- Self-ligating metal braces (Reduced friction, increased comfort)
Our board certified orthodontics, Dr. Ari Thanasas and Dr. AJ Ker, specialize in all of the current treatment modalities. They take numerous continuing education courses every year to stay alert for improvements in providing orthodontic care and they love seeing new patients whether children or adults.
See one of our orthodontists soon to get an evaluation and discuss the most practical options for your needs. At Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, we take pride in taking care of every individual patient that trusts us with their orthodontic care. Call now to book your free orthodontic consultation with us today.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. We have the ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs as we have treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
