THINK AGAIN!
For a long time, braces were associated strictly with adolescence. In recent years, however, more adults than ever are exploring their orthodontic options. Dr. Suni Wadhwa, director of orthodontics at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine note “ When I started practicing in the ’90s, I was lucky if 1 percent of my clients were adults,” he says “Now, about 50 percent are adults. It’s definitely our fastest-growing segment.” What is causing this massive growth? Several factors, including a variety of orthodontic alternatives that are more discrete than traditional braces (and just as effective). Here are the two most popular options.
Invisalign
Orthodontic aligners-most notably Invisalign-have made incredible strides over the past decade. They are a completely visible alternative to braces and are popular amongst all ages. The clear aligner, which is comparable to a very thin nightguard, is hardly noticeable, and you can remove it whenever you want. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing and low-maintenance, Invisalign treatment is often actually faster than traditional braces when properly delivered by an expert.
Damon Braces
Damon braces may be like traditional braces, but they differ in a few important ways. For one thing, they are much less conspicuous, using clear, virtually invisible brackets, they employ a special slide mechanism that moves naturally along with your smile as it realigns, eliminating the need for regular adjustments and tightening. This process results in a much faster treatment time, fewer office visits, and less pain. No matter which treatment you choose, the benefits of having a straight smile are far beyond cosmetics. Straight teeth are easier to clean and less likely to harbor nasty bacteria that can affect your overall health. A perfect smile can also do wonders for your self-confidence not to mention making you stay looking younger. No wonder so many adults are taking the time to visit the orthodontics.