An estimated 1-1.4 million adults in America are receiving orthodontic treatment in any given year. Why are so many people over 18 making the choice to seek treatment? For many, it will be a professional enhancement for them to correct their smile. Straight and perfect teeth can be a confidence booster. Plus, there are a number of proven health benefits related to orthodontic treatment. In some cases, it might even become medically necessary for an adult to seek out  an orthodontist in Melbourne for a visit.

Why Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment

A study published in 2022 by the National Institutes of Health explored some of the psychology behind why adults seek orthodontic treatment. The researchers surveyed hundreds of adults who were being treated with Invisalign or braces. 88 percent of respondents were adult women, and 12 percent were men. Of the female respondents, 73 percent reported that they were undergoing treatment for aesthetic reasons. 55 percent of the male respondents said they were doing it for aesthetic reasons.

The researchers’ conclusion is that women are more likely to seek treatment, and to seek it to improve the appearance of their smiles. A higher percentage of men undergo treatment for medical reasons, although the majority are still doing it to improve their smiles.

Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Having one’s teeth straightened carries some very real health benefits. For example, it lowers the risk of someone developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder later in life. Correcting a misaligned bite, known as a malocclusion, can improve related problems such as some speech impediments and unevenly worn teeth. Some people grind their teeth in their sleep, which is known as bruxism. Orthodontic care can help decrease this, before the grinding damages the enamel on the teeth. A misaligned jaw and bite can even lead to headaches.

There are also oral health benefits to having straight teeth. For one thing, daily brushing and flossing is more effective with straight teeth. Misaligned teeth can make it difficult to fully brush the surface of each tooth, and can make it hard to floss between every tooth. Working with an orthodontist in Melbourne to straighten your teeth can lead to fewer cavities and reduce the risk for gum disease.

Self Esteem and Confidence through Orthodontic Treatment

Most adults seek orthodontic treatment for aesthetic reasons, so there must be something to it, right? People value having straight teeth, so they can flash them with confidence, whether they’re at a job interview, in social situations, or posing for their wedding photos. Most people like it when others smile at us confidently. Imagine a salesperson who is too self-conscious to smile at potential customers. That salesperson is going to sell fewer products than one who puts people at ease with a great smile.

Treatments Available at Melbourne Orthodontics

There are three main orthodontic treatments that we provide for adults in most cases: Invisalign, clear braces and traditional braces. More serious orthodontic treatments are rare, but may require additional types of intervention. These three treatments cover most orthodontic problems and work to correct an adult’s smile.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a system that uses clear plastic aligners that are custom-fitted. Most adults prefer Invisalign because it allows them to be treated without others knowing, since the aligners are practically invisible. They can also be taken out each day for a couple of hours to eat meals and for brushing and flossing, making them more convenient than braces.

Clear Braces

Clear braces are made from ceramic materials that blend in with the patient’s teeth. This type of braces is more fragile than traditional metal braces, which are made from stainless steel. The advantage to these is that they are more effective than Invisalign for certain bite problems, while being less noticeable than metal braces.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are the ones that most people are familiar with. These are the most effective treatment options for many different situations. One of the downsides is that they are clearly visible, which is why many adults prefer the other options. However, if a person’s needed corrections are serious enough, traditional braces might be the only option.

Contact Us To Start Treatment

If you’re an adult and you want to improve your smile to boost your confidence, or to correct an orthodontic problem, Contact Us at Melbourne Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.