Top 5 Orthodontic Trends in The Woodlands TX

The orthodontic industry continues to grow with advancements in technology and greater demand for care. In 2022, we see some specific trends that have become more prevalent, including the following:

1. More Adults are Now Seeking Orthodontic Care

   More adults than ever are turning to orthodontia to help improve the health of their teeth and smiles. During the pandemic, many experienced “The Zoom Effect,” which meant people were staring at their own faces and teeth for extended periods, causing them to realize their teeth were misaligned and want to try aligners or retainers. In addition to wanting orthodontic care for cosmetic reasons, increased stress from COVID-19 has likely played a role in more adults visiting orthodontists for help with teeth grinding and clenching.

2. More Patients with Mild to Moderate Aligner Cases

   Another orthodontic trend for 2022 involves patients who want aligners to essentially tune up their teeth, not necessarily fix huge issues. For instance, adults who wore braces when they were young may want to fix a slight misalignment that has occurred over the years when retainers were not worn as instructed.

3. An Increase in Self-Litigating, Clear and Invisible Braces

   There is an uptick in patients who go for self-litigating systems, which do not require elastic bands. Clear and invisible braces are also popular among patients of all ages who like the idea of getting their teeth straightened in a less noticeable way.

4. An Increased Use of Technology

   An increase in innovative technology is also an orthodontic trend in 2022. For instance, conventional X-rays are starting to be replaced with cone beam CT scanners, also called CBCT. CBCT scanning allows orthodontists to view 3D images of the patient’s skull, jaw, and bone structure in the mouth. CBCT scanning offers clearer, more detailed imaging than traditional x-rays. The images can be viewed from a number of angles, making it easier to determine the cause of orthodontic issues. In addition, intraoral scanners can take digital study models of patients’ teeth, which can then be used to print 3D models that aligners and retainers are manufactured off of. No more goopy impressions!

5. Decrease in Length of Orthodontic Treatment

   With better timing, education and materials, most orthodontic patients can be treated in under 2 years. With good cooperation, it is almost unheard of for patients to reach the 3-, 4-, and 5-year treatment times their parents experienced.

Dr. Kendra Pratt Manning, Woodlands Orthodontics

Dr. Kendra Pratt Manning is a Board-Certified Orthodontist and has been serving patients in the greater Houston area for more than 17 years. If you’re looking for orthodontic services for you or your children in The Woodlands or Montgomery area, please reach out to our team at (281) 376-0050 (The Woodlands) or (936)-596-1200 (Montgomery) or visit us online.