Month: September 2020

There’s been a  growing uptick in orthodontic care in recent years, and research indicates a number of social and lifestyle trends are at the root of this newfound fascination in smile enhancement. A number of factors contribute to this growing trend, but a few of the biggest may come as a surprise. Discover more about this increased demand for orthodontic care, and some of the reasons behind it. 

The Power of a Perfect Smile

In today’s social media-driven world, outward appearances are more important than ever. Having the right look online can boost your followers, views, or likes. Because of this emphasis on physical perfection, many have turned to orthodontic care to help them achieve the smile they want. And, it’s a trend that is not only driven by social media. Job candidates are finding their smiles could be a make or break reason for landing a new position. A research study uncovered that Americans think individuals with straight teeth are 45% more likely to land a job than those with crooked teeth. 

The Convenience of Clear Aligners

A massive spike in popularity for clear aligners has been seen in recent years and is poised to keep growing. The fact that these aligners are clear and removable makes them a popular alternative to braces. You can take out your aligner to eat, brush your teeth and floss, without having to worry about food buildup like you would with braces. The convenience and the aesthetic look of normal teeth versus having metal in your mouth is another reason why more people are choosing clear aligner orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. The next few years show big potential growth for this area of orthodontic treatment.

Treatments that Cater to Adult Smiles

The most surprising jump in business for orthodontic care is the increased number of adults seeking personal orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists has noted that one in five orthodontic patients today is an adult. While both clear aligners and more traditional options like braces are being used, more adults are seeking straighter smiles later in life. Most adult patients are new and are seeking their first treatments towards a straighter smile. Some adult patients have previously undergone orthodontic treatment, and are coming back for additional care. 

Patients both young and old are finding their perfect smiles, and the numbers continue to grow each year. If you have been considering orthodontic treatment for any reason, contact our orthodontic office in Palos Hills today for more information. 

Paul DiFranco Orthodontics of Palos Hills
Phone: (708) 930-5941
Url: https://paloshillsortho.com/
10059 S. Roberts Rd. Suite 2A
Palos Hills , IL 60465

Orthodontic treatment and teeth whitening are two of the most common methods for cosmetically improving your smile. The question is, can you achieve straighter and whiter teeth at the same time?

For many patients the answer is yes – it is possible to whiten your teeth while wearing braces. But perhaps a better question is, will you achieve better results if you wait until after your orthodontic plan is completed? Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself to help plan the best timing for whitening your teeth.

What Type of Braces Do You Have?

Patients with traditional metal or clear braces have brackets that are glued directly onto their
teeth. Attempting to whiten the surrounding areas during treatment could lead to uneven results
when the braces are removed. Whitening during orthodontic treatment may be a viable option
for those white lingual braces, which are worn on the back of the teeth. Likewise, those with
Invisalign aligners could be candidates for simultaneous orthodontic and teeth whitening
procedures, depending on the overall condition and health of their teeth and gums. A personal
consultation with our team can determine if you can achieve better results by waiting until your
teeth finish moving into their new position, to avoid having to re-whiten newly exposed tooth
surfaces later.

Which Whitening Option Do You Prefer?

There are several effective methods for achieving a whiter smile, including in-office “chairside”
whitening, performed using a high-strength bleaching agent that is activated by a high-powered
light. This technique is performed by our dentists and the best results will be achieved once
orthodontic treatment is finished. Some patients prefer to whiten their teeth over a period of
weeks at home, using custom trays. Since these trays are created in-office to exactly fit your
teeth, waiting until braces are removed is recommended.

Making an investment in your smile is a long-term commitment. If you have already begun orthodontic treatment, the best way to avoid unwanted staining or discoloration is by practicing good oral hygiene habits and maintaining your routine cleanings and checkups. Contact us for a personalized consultation to discuss your smile goals, and find out the best way to achieve a healthy, dazzling smile.

Paul DiFranco Orthodontics of Palos Hills
Phone: (708) 930-5941
Url: https://paloshillsortho.com/
10059 S. Roberts Rd. Suite 2A
Palos Hills , IL 60465