In the years past, adults often struggled with the idea of braces, as the stigmas surrounding them and their appearance raise concerns in many. Until recently, a majority of any given orthodontist’s patients were kids and teens. Now, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has seen a drastic change in the amount of adults seeking orthodontic treatment. Whether it’s due to the many adult braces options or the stigmas have simply disappeared, now is a great time to attain the perfect smile you’ve always desired.
At Trapnell Orthodontics, we offer a few different treatment options for adults, and every patient for that matter. As if there was ever a time to really be concerned in the past, more and more adults have been seeking orthodontic treatment recently. Take a moment to learn why adult braces have become so popular and how you could jump on board and straighten your teeth—there’s never a reason to avoid a great smile!
The Rise of Adult Braces
Despite the fact adult braces options have always been offered alongside that of children’s and teen’s, adult braces have simply never been as popular. Whether it’s the potentially long treatments, concerns over appearance, or too many appointments, many of those concerns can be eliminated with new advances in orthodontics. Whichever the cause for concern, though, it’s clearly diminishing, according to a survey conducted by the AAO.
In a survey conducted in 2012, orthodontists were asked for information regarding their patients, and the AAO found that a vast majority of said patients were 17 years old or younger. In the years thereafter, orthodontists saw an increase in the number of adult patients. As mentioned, the reasoning for this increase is most likely due to the aforementioned advances in orthodontics. In nearly every aspect, orthodontics has improved greatly, making it a perfect time for adults to perfect their smile.
Adult Braces Options: Which Method is Best for You?
Regardless of the reasoning behind the recent spike in adult orthodontic patients, more continue to seek treatment. Now that patients have a few different options in straightening teeth, there’s no reason not to see what orthodontics can do for you—no matter your age. At Trapnell Orthodontics, we offer a few different methods. Take a look below to learn a bit more about each one we offer:
- Traditional Braces: Though traditional braces are often of most concern to patients, the brackets and wires have both been improved for better comfort and maintenance. The brackets themselves have even gotten smaller! Metal braces have long been the most effective way to straighten teeth and correct bites.
- Ceramic Braces: Similar to traditional braces, ceramic braces utilize ceramic brackets, which are translucent. Though they are a bit more fragile than traditional braces, patients sometimes prefer the appearance of ceramic braces.
- Invisalign: Easily the most popular treatment among teens and adults alike, Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear aligner trays that gently shift teeth into proper position. Maintenance is also great with Invisalign, since you can remove the trays to eat or clean your teeth. Unfortunately, Invisalign is not suitable for all patients. Check with your orthodontist to see if you’re a candidate for such.
Adult Braces Options: New and Improved
As you can see, attaining straighter teeth as an adult is nothing to be concerned about. Regardless of age, everyone desires a perfectly straight smile and, with the many options available today, attaining such is a breeze.
If you’re interested in our adult braces options, contact Trapnell Orthodontics in Utah County to learn more about our treatments. We serve patients of Springville, Provo, Spanish Fork, and Payson. Don’t hesitate to call!
