CERAMIC BRACES

Who says braces are just for kids? Certainly not the estimated 1 million adults in the United States and Canada who have chosen orthodontic treatment as the route to better oral health and emotional well-being.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, there are about 4.4 million U. S. and Canadian orthodontic patients; of that number, the AAO estimates that one out of five of these patients are over the age of 18.

Most adult patients and teenagers as well are conscious of their appearance and decide to take the plunge and opt for braces. They find an important challenge with treatment is working regular visits to the orthodontists into a busy schedule. As is the case with younger patients, successful completion of treatment for adults involves cooperating with the orthodontist's instruction. And, because of their extensive training and knowledge, orthodontists can select cost-effective methods and materials for correcting individual problems.

"Healthy teeth can be moved at any age", says Dr. Thomas L. Klechak, an orthodontist in Jacksonville, Florida. Adults understand the investment in a beautiful and healthy smile. And, since they're generally footing the bill for treatment-often with the assistance of their employers' dental coverage-they're more likely to keep their braces clean, as well as wear elastics and retainers as instructed.

Adults are discovering that today's high-tech materials are light-years away from the "metal mouth" look they may have been familiar with as teen-agers. Some recent innovations include clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets and the sophisticated engineering of the tooth-moving wires, which has increased their tensile strength and flexibility. As a result, treatment time may be reduced in some cases, meaning less time spent in braces.

Dr. Klechak mentions, however, that some adult patients, and teenagers may choose to flaunt their orthodontic treatment, taking the attitude of "if you've gotta have 'em-you might as well flaunt 'em." Many patients choose small metal braces where plastic ties and wires of different colors coordinate with their jewelry, other fashion accessories, holidays and special events.

What's more, today's retainers also come in patterns and colors other than the traditional roof -of -the-mouth pink. So, even a mild mannered executive could, unbeknownst to most observers, be sporting a wild paisley or plaid -or the crest of an Alma mater-behind that great smile that's soon to be good for life (yes, even Gators, Seminoles and Jaguars!).