SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - Recent studies reveal that the number of grown-ups in search of teeth alignment keeps increasing, due in part to the numerous aesthetic alternatives to traditional braces.
Whether it's a San Diego orthodontics specialist or an expert on the East Coast who provides Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, the numbers of adults in treatment are inching closer to those of children, according to a recent article in the New York Times.
The Times recently reported that between 1994 and 2010, the number of American adults undergoing orthodontic treatment increased 58 percent.
As the provider of Invisalign San Diego believes, adults seeking treatment increased to 1.1 million a year, up from 680,000 annually, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. In 2010, the most current year of statistics available, adults comprised 22 percent of orthodontic patients, a 5 percent increase since 1994.
This is due in part to the evolution of orthodontic treatment, which has resulted in smaller brackets, natural-colored brackets and lingual braces that go behind the teeth and can't be seen by others. The advent of Invisalign- a system of clear, custom-made, removable plastic aligners patients can wear that are virtually undetected and can be removed to eat, brush and floss- also has attracted adults.
This shifting demographic of patients who are in treatment has numerous orthodontic professionals actively marketing to adults, not just children.
The AAO recently introduced a series of commercials that target adults considering treatment. They accentuate the notion of increased self-confidence from perfectly aligned teeth. Another reason for the commercials is to educate the public on the difference between treatment provided by dentists and orthodontists.
A voiceover in the commercials explains that an orthodontist is an expert in correcting bite problems and aligning teeth properly.
Dr. Michael B. Rogers, the president of the American Association of Orthodontists, is quoted in The Times article as saying, "We're trying to emphasize the adult market and show how good they're going to look and how much self confidence that's going to create. There are many adults on the fence and we want to show them the benefits of new and traditional braces."
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