Orthodontic Treatment Contributes to Good Dental Health for Adults
April 24th, 2012
Like the millions of adults who have already completed orthodontic treatment, the current one million-plus adult orthodontic patients in the U.S. and Canada are looking forward to improved dental health and beautiful smiles.
With longer life expectancies than previous generations, and a greater awareness among adults that teeth can last a lifetime, today’s adults are taking better care of their teeth, as evidenced by a survey released by the National Institute of Dental Research. It revealed that the rate of toothlessness among people ages 55 to 64 dropped 60 percent since 1960.
Plaque is the Problem
Plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria, food particles and saliva that forms constantly in the mouth. It is difficult to remove effectively from improperly aligned teeth. Plaque feeds on sugars and starches to form an acid that endangers teeth and gums. However, orthodontic treatment makes plaque removal easier because misalignment is eliminated, and the likelihood that teeth will last for a lifetime is increased.
Questions? Ask an Orthodontist
Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists who correct improperly aligned teeth and jaws. They receive an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. Only those who successfully complete this rigorous formal education may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists may be members of the AAO. By selecting an AAO member for orthodontic treatment, the public is assured that the doctor is an orthodontist.
One is five patients treated by AAO members is an adult, so orthodontists are knowledgeable about adults’ concerns and potential special needs. For example, if an adult patient has gum disease, or is in need of fillings or other restorations, the orthodontist will work with the patient’s dentist and other dental specialists, as needed, to help the patient achieve optimal dental health.
Today’s orthodontic “appliances”—the formal name for devices that move teeth—are less noticeable. Traditional braces are small and sleek, whether metal or a tooth-colored ceramic. There are braces that are not braces at all, but are clear, removable “aligners,” used to nudge teeth toward their ideal positions. The wide variety of appliances makes orthodontic treatment an attractive option for adults.
Orthodontic Treatment is Affordable
Patients may be pleasantly surprised to learn how affordable orthodontic treatment is today. Orthodontists offer a variety of payment plans and are happy to work with a patient to arrive at a plan that works within their budget. Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, as well.
A healthy, beautiful smile is as important at age 60 as it is at age 16. Orthodontists are the dental specialists who have the education, experience and expertise to help adults, teens and children attain properly aligned teeth and jaws and, accordingly, good dental health.
