Adults with Braces

In the last few years there has been an increase in the rate of orthodontic treatment for the adult patients. A considerable interest is observed in patients over 21 years of age. The number of adults with braces in the past few decades has undoubtedly been increased due to decreased number of child patients with the recent explosion of the activity in the field of preventive dentistry. At the same time, the adult consultations are increased because of many people who could not avail themselves of treatment few decades ago. Orthodontic treatment for adults is the fastest growing area in orthodontics in recent years.

There are two groups of adult patients appearing for braces treatment. The first group comprises of young adults who desire the treatment but did not receive when they are youth, now seeking it because they are financially independent and are more aware of the benefits of orthodontics. The second group consists of adults older than first group, having other dental problems. In these patients orthodontic treatment is recommended to control the dental disease and for easier fillings and replacement of missing teeth.

Reasons behind increased adults with braces:-

The reservoir of adult orthodontics is large. With the ever-changing times, the adult has awakened the benefits of orthodontics. Increased social activity and business deals made them aware of esthetic short comings that are visible. The increasing number of adults requiring or requesting orthodontic treatment can be ascribed to the following reasons:-

Innovations:- Especially advent of direct bonding technique, ceramic brackets, tooth colored braces have caught attention of many adults who would not otherwise seek orthodontic treatment.

Improved appliances:- Latest developments of appliance placement technique like Lingual orthodontics and Invisible orthodontics which are giving best results in short period is one of the reason.

Public awareness:- Possibilities of adult orthodontic treatment is written in the form of numerous articles in magazines, newspapers, online as well as advertising by dentists increased the public awareness.

Insurance:- Third party payment for patients of other phases of dental care can make funds available for adult orthodontics which can be covered by insurance.

Desire of patient:- Now a days there is a greater awareness of health and appearance. To gain proper facial appearance proper alignment of teeth and replacement of missing is required.

Affluence:- Today’s growing personal affluence also making patient to afford the total dental treatment.

Family dentist awareness:- The family dentist is more aware of the problems of occlusion and the role of proper tooth arrangement in enhancing restorative dentistry.

Sophisticated management:- Achieving of good results , effectively managing the symptoms associated with the joint dysfunctions and using advanced orthognathic surgical procedures is also one of the reasons.

All these factors are responsible for the demand of adult orthodontics.

Adults give more importance for esthetics, hence placing metal braces disturbs their facial appearance and also discourage them. Recent development of braces and appliances are more comfortable and esthetic pleasing also. The types of braces used for adults are:

• Clear braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Ceramic brackets
• Invisible braces
• Lingual (behind the tooth towards tongue side) braces
• Traditional metal braces