Teeth-Straightening Techniques Grow Up

Teeth-Straightening Techniques Grow Up

(NewsUSA) - If you associate braces with adolescence, then brace yourself for a surprise.

In recent years, braces have become increasingly common for adults. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, about 4.5 million people in the United States wear braces, and adults make up one-fifth of orthodontic patients.

In the past, braces were often bulky and uncomfortable, but today's are lighter and less obtrusive. They're also more attractive, a quality that may represent a major reason why more adults are opting to receive teeth-straightening work.

Now, with recent developments in dentistry, adult patients can now avoid the dreaded "tin grin" altogether. Some teeth-straightening technologies, like one pain-free veneer option called Lumineers, do not use any wires or metal brackets.

Made from a type of patented porcelain called Cerinate, Lumineers are strong but ultra-thin, about as thin as a contact lens. They can be applied in only two visits and are proven to last up to 20 years.

Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers are painless, requiring no removal of sensitive tooth structure, so anesthesia is not needed. With Lumineers, original teeth are left intact, eliminating post-operative sensitivity and making the process reversible.

The ease and painlessness of placing Lumineers may explain why more than 11,000 dentists nationwide are now offering the treatment, which was named one of Dental Products Report's list of "Top 10 Products." For adults seeking a way to straighten their teeth without a mouthful of metal, procedures such as Lumineers might give them a reason to smile.

For more information, call 877-LUMINEERS or log on to www.lumineers.com.