RICHARDSON, Texas -- Now there is an inconspicuous solution for adults who may be motivated by the increasing long-term health benefits of proper bites and straight teeth, but are still too self conscious to wear braces at their age. Called SureSmile Lingual QT or hidden treatment, the brackets and wires are placed behind the teeth, hidden and unnoticeable to anyone but a person and his or her orthodontist. While the concept of lingual is not totally new, orthodontists have avoided offering them because of the technical difficulty in executing "behind teeth" braces. Now, with SureSmile, an orthodontic treatment system and technology, robotically-bent wires fit right into the brackets on the backside of the teeth. The bending and adjusting of the wires is removed from the process, making it a better experience for both orthodontist and patient.
Straight teeth and a beautiful smile can build self-esteem and help people feel more comfortable in social interactions. Yet the real reason to straighten teeth and create proper bites, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), is to minimize tooth decay and wear and tear on teeth, which can lead to more serious gum and periodontal disease. These long-term dental health benefits, in addition to faster and less visible braces options such as lingual braces (SureSmile QT) or "behind teeth" braces, could be the reason for the increasing number of adults getting orthodontic care. According to the AAO, one in five people today in orthodontic care is an adult up 60% from 10 years ago.
What may be less known is that an improper bite means one can't chew food properly, which can lead to gastrointestinal and other health problems. A study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation said adults will likely be 25% more satisfied with their lives if they are able to optimally chew their food, stating, "Dissatisfaction with social interactions was 3.9 times more prevalent in an individual able to chew four or fewer foods compared to those who could chew 15 foods." A recent study published in the May 2011 issue of the American Journal of Orthodontics says that the best indicator of optimal chewing is a good bite, which can only be achieved through orthodontics.
SureSmile, which combines digital scanning, 3-D treatment software, and robotics, also helps orthodontists treat their patients in significantly less time, sometimes as much as eight months sooner than traditional treatment.
