In a recent survey carried out by the British Orthodontic Society, 80% of BOS respondents said that the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment in the UK had increased, compared with 75% two years ago.
More adults than ever before are now seeking teeth straightening treatments including fixed braces with clear, or tooth coloured brackets, lingual braces and clear aligners. For many years, braces were thought of as something for children and teenagers, but the stigma around braces is disappearing and adults are realising the benefits that orthodontic treatment can provide.
Data shows that females between the ages of 26 and 40 are the most likely adults to be seeking out orthodontic treatment, however, increasing numbers of men are also looking to improve their smile. 19% of respondents to the BOS survey stated that around half of their adult patients are male, compared with only 13% two years ago.
Richard George, director of external relations at the British Orthodontic Society, said “It’s gratifying to see the number of adults interested in orthodontic treatment continuing to rise.”
Let’s look at some of the reasons why more adults are now deciding on orthodontic treatment:
1 Straighter teeth can help self confidence
Teeth play a big part in our facial appearance and can be one of the first things that other people notice about us. As a result, our smile and teeth can make an impression on potential employers or new friends or partners. When we are unhappy with our smile, it can make us feel very self-conscious and unattractive. In contrast, the results of teeth straightening treatment from an orthodontist can hugely improve our self-esteem, make us feel more attractive and more likely to be taken seriously.
2 Improvements in orthodontics
Orthodontics have moved on a lot in recent years. Whilst the lasting image of braces used to be the old-fashioned, large bracketed metal braces, there are now many different options. For adults who feel self-conscious about wearing braces, the great news is that there are discreet orthodontic appliances available, including ceramic braces with clear or tooth coloured brackets, lingual braces that fit to the back of the teeth, or Invisalign clear aligners, which are very discreet and can be taken out at meal times and when brushing your teeth.
3 Improving dental health
Crooked, misaligned teeth can lead to a number of problems. Not only can it be more difficult to clean your teeth properly, but misaligned teeth can also lead to problems with biting and chewing that could then have a more serious effect on oral health in the long term. People are becoming more aware of the importance of good oral health, so it’s unsurprising that more adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment.
Arrange a consultation
If you don’t feel confident with your smile or would like to address a bite or misalignment problem, arrange a consultation at our orthodontic practice to learn more about your options. Call today on 020 8265 9797.