Not so long ago, braces and teens were almost synonymous, but now an increasing number of Australian adults are considering and undergoing orthodontic treatment.
They’re doing it to boost their self-esteem, improve their oral health and attain the smile they always dreamed of.
If you’re among the adults considering braces, here’s what you need to know…
You’re far from alone
According to the Australian Society of Orthodontics up to a third of all patients are now people aged over 20 as more and more adults look to invest in the smile they deserve.
And in addition to those already in treatment, many more adults are also considering it.
A recent survey by the ASO found:
- Over half of Australian’s (55%) feel self-conscious about their teeth
- Almost two thirds (62%) would like to actually do something to fix their crooked smiles
- Almost half (46%) of Australians would like to ‘change’ their teeth over the chance of changing any other facial feature
- 60% of Australians believe a good smile gives you increased self confidence
The options available
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in the past couple of decades with more options available than ever when it comes to creating and maintaining a truly great smile.
Some of the biggest advances have been the introduction of clear, removable aligners such as Invisalign and self-ligating braces like the Damon System.
Both are considered excellent options for adults as they are fast, effective and often discreet.
So, let’s dive a little deeper…
Invisalign
Invisalign is a state-of-the-art teeth straightening system that first became available in 1999. Unlike traditional braces, it involves the patient wearing a series of tailor-made, removable, clear aligners that gently shift the teeth.
Over the course of treatment, these aligners are regularly changed to guide teeth into the desired position. Patients are required to wear their aligners 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and for rare special occasions.
Invisalign treatment is ideal for people seeking a more discreet orthodontic option, and this has seen Invisalign become the treatment of choice for a large number of adults looking to straighten their teeth.
One of Invisalign’s major benefits is that the aligners can be taken out for special occasions. So, if you have a big event like a wedding or workplace presentation, the aligners can be removed.
This treatment option is so popular it is estimated at least three million people have undergone Invisalign treatment since it first became available.
Damon braces
At Norwest Orthodontics one of our other preferred treatment options for adults is Damon Braces, and it’s a system that is beneficial for a host of reasons.
Damon Braces are a self-ligating system designed to offer shorter treatment times, fewer extractions and increased patient comfort. They’re also highly regarded as being a gentle braces system that helps maintain better oral hygiene.
Unlike traditional braces that see the archwire ‘tied’ to the bracket, the brackets in Damon Braces feature a slide mechanism allowing custom-fitted, high-tech archwires to move freely and straighten teeth.
In other words, instead of being anchored to specific teeth, the Damon Braces’ archwire is designed to create the optimum overall teeth alignment and slides within the brackets as the teeth straighten.
The result is less friction and pressure than conventional braces where the tie method acts like a parking brake that can slow treatment down.
Damon Braces are also available with clear brackets to offer a more discreet treatment option.
The benefit of treatment
We often reassure our adult patients that it’s never too late to have the smile you’ve always dreamed of, and the benefits orthodontic treatment extend far beyond improved self confidence and picture-perfect straight teeth.
Straight teeth and an aligned bite can allow for improved oral hygiene and ensure teeth are less susceptible to wear, while improving the overall shape of your face.
Better dental health
Quite simply, straight, aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain as there are fewer nooks and crannies for food residue to hide and plaque to build up. In the long run this results in a reduced risk of cavities and tooth loss.
Less tooth wear and tear
Teeth that are improperly positioned, or jaws that fail to align correctly can result in some teeth wearing against each other unnecessarily. Over time this results in the teeth becoming worn down or might even see them prone to chipping and cracking.
Improved facial appearance
The shape and position of the mouth and jaw are inextricably linked to our overall facial appearance, and often a welcome side effect of orthodontic treatment is an improved facial profile.
Orthodontics Australia also notes shifting the jaw into the correct position can even make you look younger.
“In some cases, correcting the jaw alignment can make the skin under the chin appear tighter, giving you a more youthful appearance,” they explain.
Increased self-confidence
Many adults considering orthodontic treatment have spent years feeling self-conscious about their smile, and may even have found various habits and techniques to hide it.
At Norwest Orthodontics we find the transformation from self-consciousness to beaming pride is one of the most gratifying and humbling results of adult orthodontic work.
There are few greater moments than when we unveil the winning smile that people have dreamed of for so many years prior.
It’s a further pleasure to know smile that will go on to serve them in their workplace, in their personal life and as part of a lifetime of better dental health.
About Norwest Orthodontics
Norwest Orthodontics specialises in helping you achieve a great smile, no matter your age. We feature a range of orthodontic treatments that span from early intervention right through to remedial adult work.
We also have a suite of treatments available that include discreet, removeable Invisalign braces, and welcome the opportunity to work with you to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
You can learn more about our services, or contact us here to make an appointment here.
