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ST. LOUIS - Who says braces are just for kids? Certainly not the more than one million adults in the United States and Canada who have chosen orthodontic treatment as the route to better oral health and emotional well-being.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, which has its headquarters in St. Louis, there are about 5.75 million U.S. and Canadian orthodontic patients; of that number, the AAO estimates that one out of five of these patients are over the age of 18.
Which means you probably know an adult who is wearing braces - but doesn't necessarily mean you know they are. For instance, actress Mary Stuart Masterson, who has starred in films including "Chances Are," "Fried Green Tomatoes" and "Bad Girls," chose treatment via lingual braces, which are attached to the backs of the teeth and, therefore, are less visible.
Though lingual braces aren't for everybody - they don't solve all orthodontic problems, and they may add to treatment time somewhat - they represent one of the treatment options now available to adults considering braces.
Behind the scenes
Masterson isn't the only celebrity who has benefited from orthodontics. Braces have helped shape other famous faces, including Cher, basketball star David Robinson, and golf great Hale Irwin, all of whom had orthodontic treatment as adults.
But, whether in the glare of the cameras or just everyday people conscious of their dental health and appearance, many adults who decide to take the plunge and opt for braces are pleasantly surprised to find treatment fits their lifestyles. As is the case with younger patients, successful completion of treatment for adults involves seeing the orthodontist regularly and cooperating with the orthodontist's instructions. And, because of their extensive training and knowledge, orthodontists can select cost-effective methods and materials for correcting individual problems.
"Teeth can be moved at any age," says Dr. Numa W. Cobb Jr., an AAO spokesman and orthodontist practicing in Greensboro, N.C. "Adults understand the investment in a beautiful and healthy smile. And, since they're generally footing the bill for treatment - often with the assistance of their employers' dental coverage - they're more likely to keep their braces clean, as well as wear elastics and retainers as instructed."
Less metal
Adults are discovering that today's high-tech materials are light-years away from the "metal mouth" look they may have been familiar with as teen-agers. Some recent innovations include clear or tooth-colored brackets and the sophisticated engineering of the tooth-moving wires, which has increased their tensile strength and flexibility. As a result, treatment times may be reduced in some cases, meaning less time spent in braces.
Dr. Cobb emphasizes, however, that adult patients may choose to flaunt their orthodontic treatment, taking the attitude of "if you've gotta have 'em - you might as well flaunt 'em." Some adults have chosen gold-colored braces and wires to coordinate with their jewelry and other fashion accessories.
What's more, today's retainers also come in patterns and colors other than the traditional roof-of-the-mouth pink. So, even a mild-mannered executive could, unbeknownst to most observers, be sporting a wild paisley or plaid - or the crest of an alma mater - behind that great smile that's soon to be good for life.
For more information about orthodontics or for the names of AAO member orthodontists in your area, visit www.braces.org or call 1-800-STRAIGHT (1-800-787-2444). Your dentist also can provide recommendations on orthodontists near you.
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Who is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists receive an additional two-to-three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. Only orthodontists are eligible for membership in the AAO.
About the American Association of Orthodontists:
The AAO comprises 15,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad. Founded in 1900, the AAO supports research and education leading to quality patient care and promotes increased public awareness of the need for and benefits of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists are uniquely qualified to correct improperly aligned teeth and jaws. They are specialists in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The American Dental Association requires orthodontists to have at least two academic years of advanced specialty training in orthodontics in an accredited program, after graduation from dental school.
Press Contact:
Pam Paladin
(314) 993-1700, ext. 524
ppaladin@aaortho.org
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