Why An Increasing Number Of Adults Are Having Orthodontic Treatment
Having misaligned teeth can bring about a whole host of oral health problems, affecting your bite, speech, and even the way in which you break down food. In recent years, the emergence of braces that can tackle a versatility of issues, whilst also being comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, has resulted in an increasing number of adult orthodontic patients.
In 2016, the BOS (British Orthodontic Society) gathered data about adult orthodontics in the UK. It found that 66% of patients in mixed and private practices are now 26-40 years old, a figure that stood at 25% in the previous decade.
Increase in the choices available
In the not-so-distant past, the only type of brace available was the classic clunky metal ‘train track’ brace. Although this is still used in modern orthodontics, it has undergone some significant improvements where aesthetics and comfort are concerned. A wider variety of brace types (including lingual braces and ceramic braces) are now available, offering the discretion and flexibility that better suit modern adult lifestyles.
The introduction of ‘invisible’ brace types
Back in 1997, two graduates in California exploited a gap in the market for a removable brace appliance that had a discreet design, resulting in the birth of Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign has since taken the world by storm, successfully treating over 5 million patients worldwide.
Other examples of ‘invisible’ braces types are lingual braces and ceramic braces, both mentioned above. The former are widely known to be the most invisible braces available, as the brackets are fitted on the tongue side of your teeth, whilst the latter are a modern answer to the traditional metal braces of the past – you can read more about ceramic braces here.
Increased awareness surrounding the benefits of orthodontics
With more information available to the general public than ever before, we are all becoming more aware that orthodontics is not merely just about straightening teeth, but also about the oral health issues that can arise as a result of having crooked or widely spaced teeth.
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