Ideally, human teeth would line up as neatly as the keys on a piano. Unfortunately, many people must contend with crooked teeth, crowded smiles, or poorly aligned bites.
There is no upper age limit for getting braces and more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment and coming away with excellent results. As long as you have teeth that are healthy, you may benefit from orthodontic treatment. The improving condition of dental care, means that a lot more adults will keep their teeth throughout their lives and adult orthodontics will become more common.
Recent research from the Australian Society of Orthodontists shows that over half of Australians feel self-conscious about their teeth, and more than two-thirds are considering treatments to improve their smile.
Why do some adults need orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is an option for most adults with crooked teeth or uneven bites.
Genetics is one of the main causes of common orthodontic problems such as underbites and overbites. Prolonged habits during childhood, such as biting your lips or sucking your thumb can cause the front teeth to become misaligned.
It is also natural for our teeth to shift position as we age, lose or wear down our teeth, or if gum problems develop. Sometimes that means that adults who have had orthodontic treatment as a child and haven’t worn their retainers as instructed require further orthodontic treatment as an adult.
What orthodontic treatments are suitable for adults?
Thanks to modern technology orthodontic treatment is a viable option for almost any adult, with a wide range of discreet options. The fact that one in five orthodontic patients are adults goes to show that there are plenty of suitable treatment options which can fit comfortably with your lifestyle.
Dr Mehta would be happy to talk to you to determine the most effective treatment available for your individual case.
