In the past, getting your teeth straightened was something most people did during their teens. If you did not get it done then, you just did not get it done.

But now more adults are getting their teeth straightened. Orthodontists report that adults make up about 20% of orthodontic patients, compared to just 5% traditionally. So, what is responsible for the change?

One of the big factors is technology. Braces have improved in so many ways that now people are finding it a lot more appealing to straighten their teeth as adults.

Braces Are Better Than Ever | Clear Braces St. Louis

Appearance Is a Big Issue

People do not like the thought of having highly visible brackets and wires. This is often seen as coming with the package of awkward teenage years, but most of us feel like we have left that part of our life behind. We do not want to become that awkward teen again, afraid that it would undermine our credibility, authority, and respect.

That is why people are drawn to the new, subtle techniques for straightening teeth. You can get your teeth straightened and nobody needs to know. One of the biggest developments is Invisalign. Because Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners instead of metal wires and brackets, it is practically invisible. And it is removable so you can take it out for situations where “practically invisible” is not good enough.

There have also been innovations in traditional braces that make them less visible. With white wires and clear plastic brackets, traditional braces are more subtle than ever.

Getting your teeth straightened without looking like you are getting your teeth straightened is appealing to many adults (and even teens).

Braces Are Faster

Another big complaint people had about getting braces in the past was that it took too long. A year was about the minimum and two or more years was not uncommon.

But that is a thing of the past. Modern orthodontics offers many solutions for getting your teeth straighter faster.

Six Month Smiles is a great new innovation in orthodontics. It uses traditional braces, but uses them to get results faster, typically in six months as the name implies. That is because it works smarter, not harder, focusing on cosmetic movements of front teeth that are easier to move.

And we offer Invisalign in Half the Time, a special program using the PROPEL Vpro5 system to speed tooth movements.

Getting orthodontic treatment done faster is not just a matter of people wanting immediate results. It is good for your health. Orthodontic treatment comes with oral hygiene challenges that can lead to cavities or gum disease. Completing treatment faster reduces these risks. And it means you see the health benefits of your straighter smile faster.

Orthodontics Are More Convenient

Faster orthodontic treatment reduces the impact braces can have on your lifestyle. But that is not the only way that braces have become more convenient.

Invisalign aligners are removable, so there is no need to change your diet. Keep eating the healthy variety of foods you like.

Removable aligners also mean you are not cleaning around fixed brackets and wires. This reduces hygiene challenges and their related health problems like cavities and gum disease.

Orthodontics Are More Comfortable

People used to dislike the fact that braces caused a painful ache that lasted as long as treatment. But new orthodontics are more comfortable than ever.

Six Month Smiles reduces discomfort because it focuses only on the front teeth, which are easier to move.

And Invisalign in Half the Time uses proven technology that not only moves your teeth faster, it reduces discomfort.

Are You Ready to Straighten Your Teeth?

Are you unhappy with crooked teeth, but have not gotten them straightened because of the appearance, time, or inconvenience? Let us show you the benefits of the new orthodontics. When you see how easy it is to get a straight smile today, you will see that it is a great decision.

To schedule a braces consultation with St. Louis cosmetic dentist Dr. Chris Hill, please call City Smiles of St. Louis at (314) 678-7876 for our downtown office or reach our Clayton office at (314) 678-7876.