The trend continues

The trend of adults getting braces is growing more and more evident as adult patients start blogging about their experience. The other day, I came across a very honest list of issues with braces that I think all adults should read. This is definitely not to deter you from getting braces... in fact, I view this as an argument for more advanced treatment through Invisalign. I'll let you be the judge:

A post bordering on TMI…

These lessons are probably not much different than those dealing with adolescent braces. However, I think the choice of foods and situations would be quite different.

1. Install a food disposal unit in your bathroom. Either that, or brush your teeth over the kitchen sink.
2. The Water Pic is the greatest invention ever. (I stopped short of using my pressure-washer for fear of removing gums and enamel.)
3. Pay attention to the “List of Foods to Avoid” that the orthodontist gives you.
4. To that list, add the following:
   • Sauerkraut
   • Pad Thai
   • Bacon Bits
   • Deep-Fried Pita Points
5. You have your choice of embarrassments during meals - picking your teeth or displaying a variety of cuisine every time you smile.
6. Between the foods you’re not eating and the amount of food that get stuck in your braces, you’ll start to lose weight.
7. Wax is your friend. However, remember to remove it before drinking hot coffee in the morning.
8. Advil is almost as friendly as wax.
9. Playing the trumpet isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Or, at least, no worse considering I hardly played it before braces.
10. Whistling is impossible.
11. People just aren’t very interested in (or sympathetic with) the problems you’re having with your braces.

More and More Adults Getting Braces

The AAO just released the news: the number of adults with braces has risen by 37% in the past 10 years! This is a huge increase. What people are attributing to this rise varies, but I have 3 ideas:

• More and more reality TV shows stressing the overall makeover
• The wide acceptance of cosmetic dentistry as more than just a "fad"
• The vast advances in orthodontic technology from Invisalign to SureSmile

Definitely with the ability to wear "invisible braces" it seems that the social stigma of wearing braces past college has gone away. We all want that perfectly healthy and straight smile, but many people don't realize that it's more than just cosmetics. Straightening your teeth can improve your oral health, and lead to a world of comfort in your jaw line. In fact, overly crowded teeth can cause headaches, mouth aches, and all these aches can easily effect the rest of your body. So, to ensure that you get the health benefits of a straight smile, don't let your age get in the way of your body's needs.

Chewing Gum and Gum Disease

Can chewing gum prevent gum disease? If you've watched TV anytime lately, you'll find that there are tons of commercials promoting gum and it's effects on health. What once started out as a candy has evolved now to something that "if eaten 4 times a day" can effectively whiten teeth. That quote comes from Trident.com. Trident, is the only over the counter gum approved by the ADA for improving oral health. Depending on the brand of Trident you chew, you can whiten and brighten your teeth, or (with their new brand) restore tooth enamel. The most important thing to note here is that this doesn't go for all gum. Gum is still a candy and, if it contains sugar, can do damage to teeth. The active ingredients of traditional gum may cause tooth decay and cavities. Chewing gum that is good for your oral health is the way to go. There's no difference in taste... in fact, why not chew the good kind of gum, it's certain to taste just as good AND improve your breath at the same time!