Braces for Adults Growing in Popularity

About 1.5 million Orthodontic patients in North America are adults. and about three-fourths of them are getting braces for cosmetic reasons, according to a July 2016 feature in U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Andrew Chase of ARCH Orthodontics, which operates 9 offices between Boston and Cape Cod (including Canton), says new treatment options and shorter treatment times have contributed to the increase in interest in braces among adult patients. “Almost invisible braces help patients feel less self-conscious, whether making a sales presentation, teaching a class, or going on a date,” he says. Another factor: adult braces are almost fashionable. The list of celebrities who have had invisible braces includes Khloe Kardashian, Nicholas Cage, Oprah Winfrey, Heidi Klum, Tom Cruise, Faith Hill and many others.

Braces treatment time can run up to about two years for comprehensive cases. And there’s a new option – a 20 minute-per-day process called AcceleDent – that can accelerate Orthodontic therapy. Using vibrations to accelerate the bones surrounding teeth to speed up the movement, a patient may actually get his or her braces off up to 50% faster.

Many adult patients come from families that couldn’t afford braces. Now that they have their own careers, they want to address long-lingering issues about their teeth, smile – even facial symmetry. “Shaping a beautiful face is no longer just the domain of plastic surgeons,” says Dr. Chase. “Thanks to advancements in training, diagnosis, technology, treatments, and tools, an Orthodontist can influence facial shape. We study facial structure – perhaps observing the patient’s parents either in person or in photos -- to help predict how the appearance could change in the future. That helps us to determine a customized treatment plan.” Besides looking great, properly aligned teeth contribute toward a beautiful smile and make it easier to clean your teeth and gums.

Orthodontists have more experience treating misalignments and recognizing complex cases. Although advertising has blurred the differences between Dentists and Orthodontists, Dr. Chase emphasizes that Orthodontists receive 2 - 3 additional years of training beyond dental school. As far as costs go, the office’s Treatment Coordinator can help work out a payment plan. They are committed to not letting finances stand in the way. ARCH offers a free initial consultation and no-interest financing. Dr. Chase says some patients are pleasantly surprised to find that Orthodontic treatment is partially covered by insurance.

ARCH, the Official Orthodontist of Miss Massachusetts, offers courtesy discounts to families of military personnel, veterans and municipal employees in the towns where they have offices. To schedule a no-obligation appointment, call 1-800-28- SMILE, email: smilemaker@archorthodontics.com or visit www.archorthodontics.com . By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com