Orthodontic treatment is not just for kids anymore. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), there are a record number of adult orthodontic patients today, and thanks to advances in technology, you can enjoy braces at any age.

Adults with braces can correct a bite, improve their comfort in chewing and talking, achieve a beautiful smile and improve their health. About 25 percent of Americans wearing braces today are adults. Braces are more popular with every age group than ever before, and that’s thanks to the number of orthodontic treatment options available.

Benefits of Adult Orthodontics

Many adults think there is no point to get braces later in life, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Braces have a variety of benefits for adults and can prevent dental problems or the need for excessive dental work later on.

Dr. Kim says the treatment goal for adults is to achieve ideal function of their teeth and jaw. Adults can correct tooth shape and forms which might be worn down, correct compromised periodontal disease, or adjust TMD problems.. Often, ortho treatment is needed to move the gaps from missing teeth. This can pave the way for implants and a lasting smile. The treatment goal is to help establish an oral system that would work for each individual.

Here are some of the biggest benefits of adult orthodontics:

• A healthier mouth: Crooked teeth and misaligned bites make it harder to thoroughly clean your teeth. Hard-to-reach areas can develop plaque and eventually gum disease. If you don’t address this, it’s more likely you’ll need dentures or dental implants.
• Less pain: If your jaw or teeth hurt, braces may be able to alleviate it. By changing the position of your teeth, braces make it easier to eat, talk and even smile.
• Quick treatment: In the past, people usually had to wear braces for years and years. Today, treatment time is usually three years or less, with some people completing treatment in less than a year.
• Shifting teeth: If you had braces as a child, adult braces can correct the natural shifting your teeth have experienced ever since.
• Low cost: Braces are an incredible investment, especially when you combine insurance and payment plans. Best of all you’ll be able to enjoy their benefits for the rest of your life.

Another great reason to get adult orthodontics is the number of options available today.

Orthodontic Options for Adults

There are a wide variety of orthodontic options for adults today. Whether you’re concerned about appearance, comfort or maintenance, there are braces for you. Here are the most popular options:

• Self-ligating brackets –This design has a unique clip or movable door to hold wires in place. No need for rubber bands. Your teeth can stay cleaner and you can spend less time in your orthodontist’s chair.
• Invisalign clear aligners – The only person who knows someone is wearing Invisalign braces is the person wearing them! These are practically invisible, but just as effective as regular braces.
• Metal braces – Traditional metal braces are much thinner and comfortable than in the past. See for yourself.

Dr. Kim also offers patients who quality the option of periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics. This option cuts treatment times by 3-8 months. It is usually used to create space for a permanent tooth with dental implants. It combines orthodontic care with bone grafting to create a healthy smile solution for patients. This technique by Dr. Kim can decrease the need for extractions, increase bone support for teeth and improve facial esthetics. It can also facilitate eruption of an impacted tooth or accelerate tooth movement. You can shorten treatment and look and feel younger.

Dr. Kim, your Omaha orthodontist, has restored smiles through braces for many adults. Come see the results for yourself. It’s never too late to get a perfect smile. If you’d like to know more about adult orthodontics, schedule a consultation with us today at 402-884-8949.