What’s the first thing that you notice when meeting someone new? Their eyes? Their weight? For 37% of Americans, the first thing that they notice is someone’s smile. While half of American adults have at least a few crooked teeth, there’s no reason to let your smile keep you from being confident and outgoing. With the number of treatment options available today, patients of any age can undergo discreet and effective orthodontic treatment with little to no disruption to their daily routine.
In a recent study by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), researchers found that over one third of Americans are unhappy with their current smile. Not only is a smile one of the first things people notice, it can also help when it comes to perceptions in certain professional, social, and romantic settings. Of the one-third of Americans who are unhappy with their smile, 36% believe that they would have a better life overall if they had straight teeth. Almost half of young adults have even untagged themselves in photos on Facebook because they were embarrassed by their smile. When it comes to romantic relationships, this study revealed that a smile is more impactful than you may think. According to the research, 77% of women find crooked teeth less attractive than a receding hairline in a potential love interest. Additionally, the study found that 22% of Americans who currently dislike their smile believe that they would have a better love life if they had a straight smile. When it comes to professional settings, 78% of Americans believe people with a crooked smile are unsuccessful and 14% of people believe that their poor teeth are keeping them from a better job. Orthodontic treatments have come such a long way since their early beginnings and today’s modern treatment methods can help anyone achieve the confident smile they deserve. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so you’re never too old for orthodontic treatment!
At Ortega Orthodontics, we believe that it’s never too late to improve your smile. While you may think that orthodontic treatment is just for the kids, that’s simply not the case! Adults can experience several orthodontic problems including crowded teeth, which may require orthodontic treatment in order to keep them clean and healthy. Treatment options range from traditional metal braces, lingual braces, translucent aligners, to nighttime aligners depending on whether your teeth require dramatic repositioning or a minor tweak. As your Jacksonville orthodontist, we offer a variety of discreet treatment options to help you achieve your dream smile:
- Clear Brackets: This treatment method is the same as traditional braces, however the clear brackets blend in with your teeth to make your treatment less noticeable.
- Invisalign: These clear aligner trays are comfortable and versatile, allowing you to achieve your dream smile without any wires or brackets. Invisalign gently shifts your teeth into place and typically requires less appointments has no dietary restrictions, making it a great option for adults with busy schedules.
- Lingual Braces: Lingual, or Incognito braces, are placed on the backs of your teeth so that no one can even tell that you have braces. They’re just as comfortable and effective as traditional braces.
There’s no reason to put off orthodontic treatment any longer! If you find that your smile is keeping you from living the confident lifestyle that you’ve always wanted, it’s time to take a step towards achieving the healthy smile you’ve always wanted. If you’re worried about others noticing your appliances, there’s plenty of options that are discreet and effective. Of the adult patients that have gone through orthodontic treatment, 83% reported an improvement in their personal relationships. Additionally, 58% reported improved career success and 92% would recommend orthodontic treatment to other adults. So, what are you waiting for?
Sometimes the most convenient time for adults to receive treatment or retreatment is while their child is in treatment. Simply mention this to your orthodontist at your appointment and we can discuss the best options for both you and your child. If you’ve always wanted a straight, healthy smile, Ortega Orthodontics is here to help. Many adults who have gone through orthodontic treatment have found improvement in their social, romantic, and professional lives, so you can too! Give us a call to discuss your options and to schedule your appointment.