07/11/2016
Article by Dr. Leaver & Dr. Gardner
Today there is an estimated one million Americans and Canadians over the age of 18 that wear braces, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. The L.A. times reported in 2011, adult braces are on the rise, with a 24 percent increase from 1989 to 2008. Your smile is the first thing people notice. Your smile can have a positive impact on those around you. Being afraid to smile or trying to cover your teeth when you smile, causes this effect to be decreased.
Even healthy teeth move around and shift and can occur at any age. Even if you had braces at a younger age you may need them again. This may happen because you failed to wear your retainer like you should have or your mouth changed naturally. Serious problems can be avoided with your teeth and mouth with braces. Having a crossbite or misaligned teeth can increase plaque and food buildup between your teeth and can lead to periodontal disease or gum disease. Braces can avoid other health problems too. Headaches and earaches can be corrected with proper mouth alignment and an improper bite can lead to gastrointestinal problems because food isn’t being chewed properly.
Improvements in technology have made the process of getting braces a lot gentler and less painful. There may be some discomfort at first, but it will subside quickly. Braces are less noticeable than in years past. Brackets are smaller and bands are not wrapped around teeth like before. Ceramic braces are made with a translucent material and Invisalign are clear, removable, plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth without metal or wires. Invisalign also allows you to have no food restrictions and you’ll be able to floss and brush normally. Braces are more affordable than before. Your parents may have not been able to afford braces when you were growing up but you can. Many medical and dental insurance plans cover part of the cost. People are living longer and keeping their teeth for life. People aren’t losing their teeth like they used to so it makes sense to take care of them. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, more and more people who are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s are getting braces. Adults take better care of their braces and follow the advice of their orthodontist, which means the results are more impressive than those of a child or teenager.
Your oral health can impact your ability to get a job and your social life. Lots of people say that their crooked or unattractive teeth are preventing them from living their lives to the fullest. Getting braces to fix your mouth can be the answer! You may face a few months or even a few years of wearing something on your teeth but the results will amaze you; leaving you less self-conscious about your teeth. When you’re ready to take the steps to improve your smile and your health, give Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics a call to set up a consultation.
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