There was a time when any dental treatment that wasn't wholly necessary was regarded as a luxury—but these days, nothing could be further from the truth.  People are whitening their smiles and feeling much better for doing so.  Perhaps the most pervasive branch of dentistry, however, is orthodontics.  Wearing an orthodontic brace is no longer seen as embarrassing or unusual, including for adults; they're simply too commonly seen for them to be remarkable.  In fact, studies have suggested that 62% of Australian adults would be perfectly content to wear a visible brace.  But this change of opinion isn't the reason why orthodontics are so popular; it's simply symptomatic of it.

Smiles Matter

In short, the way your teeth look has a huge impact on your overall appearance.  A good smile is frequently cited as one of the first things other people look for in a partner.  However, it would be unfair to characterise the increase in orthodontic treatment as society being shallow.  In fact, it's simply the result of people feeling emboldened to address things that harm their confidence instead of grinning and bearing it.  Of course, the increasing affordability of these treatments also contributes, as households can now actually fit these fixes into their budgets instead of simply dreaming about them.

Treatment Upgrades

It could also be said that the growth in the orthodontic industry is thanks to upgrades in the technologies available.  Gone are the conspicuous metal headpieces that haunted teenagers in the 80s.  These days, braces are unobtrusive and comfortable, and the process has been carefully tweaked to be quicker and more effective.  In fact, there are even subtler options available to those willing to pay a little more.  Porcelain brackets are available to blend in with the colour of your teeth.  There are orthodontists who place the brackets of the brace on the back of the teeth instead of the front, so they are not visible when you smile or speak.  Perhaps more popular than this are the clear plastic retainer trays, worn 24 hours a day, which slowly bring your teeth into position just as a traditional brace would, but without the wires and fixed brackets.

In combination, these things mean that treatment is more comfortable, more affordable and more effective—and the results themselves are more desirable.  Now that the unkind reactions to brace-wearers are ancient history, there should be nothing holding you back from orthodontic treatment if you feel it could improve your smile.  It certainly isn't stopping the many thousands of Australians who start treatment every year.

For more information, contact an orthodontist.