Hard wired: INCREASING NUMBERS OF ADULTS ARE SEEKING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT TO IMPROVE THEIR SMILE OR FIX THEIR BITE

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Hard Wired: INCREASING NUMBERS OF ADULTS ARE SEEKING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT TO IMPROVE THEIR SMILE OR FIX THEIR BITE
August 8, 2008
By JOANNE RICHARD
The Observer

Adults are putting their money where their mouths are: Braces are booming.

They're no longer just for kids as more and more adults are getting hard wired than ever before.

In Dr. Eric Selnes' two offices, adults make up 50 per cent of patients getting braces. "It's become a lot more popular and acceptable -- there's a trend in general towards more optional self improvement," says Selnes, of Heritage Orthodontics, in Mississauga and Georgetown.

Along with teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, braces are an increasingly common request by adults seeking out a smile makeover in order to arm themselves with an essential accessory -- great straight teeth.

While half are seeking a great smile, says Selnes, a professor of adult orthodontics at the University of Toronto, the other half are seeking a better bite, including correcting alignment issues.

Contributing to the phenomenal growth of adult orthodontics is the increased focus on cosmetic dentistry, says Dr. Geoff Newton, as well as increased financial means and less conspicuous means of correcting crowded/ crooked/spaced teeth.

Newton, a Yorkville orthodontist whose office, Profiles Dental Specialists, specializes in adult braces, says, "There is no doubt that this is mainly a cosmetic, self improvement issue," and fueling the drive largely is the media coverage, including the makeover shows and megawatt smiles of Hollywood stars.

Cosmetic dentistry has been getting brighter for the past decade, say professional smile stylists, and will continue to boom as options grow, including "invisible" braces such as I Braces and Invisalign, and procedures get fine-tuned.

Fixing crooked teeth is a national trend: The American Association of Orthodontics reports that its 550 Canadian members treated 307,400 total patients in 2006, and 68,500 were over the age of 18.

Adult orthodontics has become far more acceptable, accessible, convenient and comfortable, as new technologies have revolutionized orthodontics, says Dr. Leagh Harfield. The Calgary orthodontist says 30 per cent of his patients are 35 and up -- one is 77 years of age -- and most are seeking to improve function, but ultimately end up with straighter teeth too. "People are looking 40-50 years down the road and they want their teeth to be with them for life so they're taking steps now."

According to the experts, teeth talk. A healthy smile sends a strong message, denoting good hygiene, health, youth and success. "It's extraordinarily powerful," adds Selnes. One study reveals that when determining physical attractiveness, eyes comes first followed closely by the teeth.

Meanwhile, Newton's partner Cameron Clokie not only talks the talk, he wears the talk: The Toronto oral surgeon, also at Profiles Dental Specialists, is all wired up until mid-summer in order to correct a jaw alignment problem. He admits people are initially surprised to see his traditional tracks, "but when they see them, especially my patients, for whatever reason they feel more relaxed, believe it or not."

Even dentists' teeth need tuning! "Dentists are people, too! We are not born dentists," says Clokie, adding that properly aligned, well-maintained teeth last longer, so braces are worth the effort and expense.

Dental plans vary and, according to Selnes, many private insurance plans cover part of the cost of adult orthodontics, which can range from $6,000 to $10,000 and even more depending on the modality.

Braces 101

If your teeth are crooked and don't bite properly, here are some things to think about before you get hard wired.

If you don't already have an orthodontist, get recommendations from friends or your regular dentist.

Get at least two opinions, as orthodontists can vary in their treatment approach. If you don't like what one ortho says, get more opinions until you reach a consensus of opinion -- especially if extractions or jaw surgery may be involved. Consultations are usually free.

How much do braces cost? Typically, around $5,000 for braces on upper and lower teeth for two years of treatment. This cost may be slightly lower or higher, depending on where you live.

If you can't afford braces from a private orthodontist, search the dental schools in your area. Many times, they provide low-cost orthodontic care. The orthodontists in training are under the watchful eye of their experienced professors, who are often orthodontists in private practice.

Research your health plan (or your spouse's) to see if any of the treatment will be covered.