You know, when you’re known as The Gentle Dentist and you spend so much time helping take the fear out of dentistry for kids, you forget that sometimes our adult patients need some love and attention, too. We’re sorry! Yes, we help lots of little ones take care of their teeth and mouths in all sorts of different ways, but grown ups, we can help you, too! More and more adults are coming to us to help straighten their teeth, with braces for adults becoming more and more common. Here’s what you need to know about different teeth straightening options for adults!

Aren’t Braces Just for Kids?

When you think of braces, you probably think of young teens with mouths full of metal. And that’s not without reason since most kids get braces when their final baby teeth fall out, which usually happens between the ages of 10 – 12 years old.

Historically, braces weren’t typically worn by adults. If someone wasn’t fitted with braces or another type of orthodontic device when they were younger, they’d live out their days with crooked or misaligned teeth.

Over the past few years, however, things have changed. You see it in our society everywhere: we’re breaking through the stereotypes of yesteryear and doing more of the things that we want instead of what others expect of us.

 

More Options Than Before

Another reason why braces for adults are becoming more commonplace is that there are more options than we’ve ever had before. While traditional metal braces might be the image that springs to mind, there are other options for adults looking to straighten their teeth.

Here are some of the most common:

• Braces – Braces for adults come in several different shapes and sizes. Certainly, there is the traditional metal kind, but they can also be clear or mounted on the inside of the teeth so they’re not so visible.
• Invisalign – Invisalign is a method of orthodontic treatment which uses a series of clear, removable and comfortable teeth aligners. Since they are removable you don’t have to wear them all the time, although the more you wear them the faster your teeth will be properly aligned. Invisalign uses a series of molded trays that gradually move your teeth into proper alignment.
• Retainers – Just like braces, retainers aren’t just for kids anymore! While less common than Invisalign or braces for adults, retainers can be worn through only part of the day (typically the evening and nighttime hours) so the people you see at work and during social activities might not even know you wear one!

 

Times have a-changed, and braces and other orthodontic treatments aren’t just for kids anymore. More and more adults are choosing treatments to straighten and align their teeth, so they can have the same bold and beautiful smiles as their kids. There are several options available including retainers, Invisalign and braces, so if you’re an adult looking to straighten out some crooked teeth, we can help!

Orion Dental provides a full range of dental services for the entire family, including orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening. Call our Milton dental office at (905) 636 – 9770 or our Scarborough dental office at (416) 291 – 0306 and let’s talk about how we can help you get the beautiful smile that you deserve!