La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – When most people picture the typical orthodontic patient, they probably think of an adolescent trudging through their awkward years. But today, more adults than ever before are turning to orthodontic treatment to get the straighter smiles they’ve always wanted. Dr. Robert Gire explains more.
“There are so many reasons why adults are seeking out orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Gire. “In fact, I was one of those adults, so I know the reasons very personally. For me, it was about being able to greet the world confidently and knowing my smile wasn’t just straight, but healthy, too.”
Today, nearly one in three orthodontic patients is an adult. There are many factors contributing to this rise in adult orthodontic care.
Desire for better oral health and function. Orthodontic treatment goes far beyond just creating pretty smiles. It ensures a harmonious bite and sets patients up for a lifetime of good oral health. Orthodontics can help patients:
- Keep cavities, decay, and gum disease at bay. Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean because you can brush and floss effectively. This minimizes the risk of cavities and other oral health issues, such as gum disease, arising.
- Avoid damage from uneven wear. Orthodontic treatment also focuses on creating a properly functioning bite. This is important because if the jaw is out of alignment, an uneven amount of pressure is placed when biting down. This can lead to chipping, cracking, breaking, and even tooth loss. It can also cause jaw pain and headaches.
- Correct a relapse. Our teeth naturally shift as we age, so even patients who received orthodontic treatment in their childhoods may find their smile changing as they age.
Ability to greet the world with confidence. Your smile says so much about you, and if you spend your life trying to hide yours, you may be missing out.
- A beautiful smile can make you feel comfortable, helping you to smile more freely and confidently
- Straighter teeth can improve speech and articulation, helping you communicate more clearly with peers and friends.
- Research shows that people with straight teeth are perceived as happier and more successful
Advanced, discreet treatment options. Adults no longer have to worry about drawing more attention to themselves during orthodontic treatment, as advanced and discreet options are readily available.
- Clear aligners have revolutionized how patients go through orthodontic treatment. Aligners are clear, comfortable, and removable. Dr. Gire uses Spark aligners, which use a patented material so clear that the aligners are virtually invisible when worn. And because they are removable, patients don’t have to worry about altering their diets while in treatment. Caring for your smile is also a breeze.
- Clear and ceramic braces. For patients who may want the efficiency of bracket and wire braces, clear and ceramic braces are a great option. They use tooth colored brackets and wires to blend in seamlessly with your natural smile
- Lingual braces. For adult patients looking for the most discreet orthodontic option available, lingual braces are the answer. These bracket and wire braces fit along the tongue side of the teeth, making them invisible to others.
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your oral health and your self-confidence. And with orthodontic technology advancing every day, you can reap the benefits of more comfortable, efficient, and discreet treatment.
If you’ve spent years wishing your smile were straighter, there is no time like the present to begin your smile journey. Dr. Gire has been where you are, and knows the impact a new smile can make. Call Gire Orthodontics today to schedule your complimentary consultation, 562-690-1100 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).