Adults opting to wear teeth-correcting devices have become the latest trend. A British Orthodontic Society (BOS) study carried out in 2018 found there has been a five percent increase – from 75 percent (2016) to eighty percent (2018) – in adults seeking treatment to fix their teeth. These teeth issues included both minor misalignment issues to more complex bite problems.
While the most significant contributor to this trend is people wanting to have nicer looking teeth – modern society has become more image conscious – it is not the only reason. Other motivations include better access to dental treatment, dental procedures being more cost effective and the introduction of new dental innovations such as barely noticeable braces in Barnsley. With the availability of clear plastic aligner trays, adults can improve the appearance of teeth without the need to wear fixed devices (depending on the nature of the teeth issues).
Dentists have also found another significant motivator, and perhaps, the most important one is that patients are placing a stronger importance on dental health. Straight teeth do not only look good, they are important to preventing bacteria build-up as they are easier to clean.
More cost-effective options and quicker results
In comparison to veneers where cost-per-tooth applies, devices that align multiple teeth at a time present a more affordable treatment option. Now with many dental clinics offering various payment plan methods, patients can spread the cost of treatment over a number of months.
Simple misalignment issues can be fixed in as little as three to six months. The Invisalign plastic aligner has built a reputation for its ability to reposition teeth in as little as three months, but this does depend on a number of conditions like how often the dentist recommends a patient change the trays and the nature of the teeth issue being corrected. Simple issues are relatively faster to fix.
Best results can only be achieved when a patient follows all instructions provided by the dentist. In the case of Invisalign, this is wearing the plastic trays for a minimum of twenty-two hours a day. This means that there is a limited window of opportunity to remove the trays – ideal time in which to eat and clean teeth. Leisurely lunches are not advised as trays need to be in the mouth to move teeth. On the plus side, patients are not restricted to eating only certain types of food.
Unlike the metal fixed devices that required tightening and which patients found were painful and uncomfortable, there is minimal discomfort in wearing plastic aligners. Patients spend less time having to clean teeth as well as the devices – as there is no chance of food getting stuck in metal brackets.
With the introduction of smarter teeth-correcting devices to straighten misshapen teeth and bite problems, adults do not need to suffer the inconvenience or discomfort normally attached to wearing dental devices. To determine how suitable a candidate you are for invisible plastic aligners, schedule a consultation with a dental clinic today.
