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Emerging Dental Concerns: Insights from 457 Orthodontic Patients

As the year-end holidays approach, many begin to reflect on personal investments and preparations for new beginnings. In light of this, Oh my teeth, a prominent brand in the clear aligner orthodontics sector, conducted a vital survey involving 457 individuals who have previously undergone orthodontic treatment. The focus of this research was to explore the dental challenges these patients faced prior to their treatments.

Survey Overview

The online survey, conducted on November 27, 2025, gathered insights from a diverse age range: 134 participants aged 10-20, 144 in their 30s, 143 in their 40s, and 36 aged 50 and above. The results revealed critical commonalities and disparities across different age groups in their dental alignment issues.

Key Findings

One of the most notable findings of the survey is that over 60% of respondents experienced multiple dental concerns simultaneously. The overall rankings of these concerns shed light on significant trends:

• - Approximately 39.8% reported having issues with their bite alignment.
• - 31.9% indicated their teeth were misaligned (crowded).
• - 17.9% expressed concerns about protruding teeth (maxillary protrusion).

This data indicates that many respondents grappled with compound issues affecting both aesthetics and functionality, such as poor bite alignment alongside concerns regarding the visual appearance of their front teeth.

Generational Analysis

A key observation from this survey is the stark generational shift in dental concerns:

In Their 20s: Aesthetic vs. Functional Dilemmas

For younger respondents (ages 10-20), concerns about aesthetics and functionality appeared to be almost equal, with 39.6% worried about bite alignment and a close 31.3% concerned with misalignment.

The influence of social media and online communication on self-image is evident, as evident concerns regarding overall mouth appearance were prevalent.

In Their 30s: Peak Aesthetic Concerns

Among the 30-somethings, the trend shifted slightly with bite issues recorded at 36.1%, while misalignment reached a concerning 35.4%. Notably, the anxiety about protruding teeth was highest among all age groups at 23.6%. At this age, individuals seem at a transitional phase, experiencing an equilibrium of functional and aesthetic concerns.

Beyond 40: Focus on Bite Functionality

As individuals move into their 40s, bite issues take precedence, with 42.7% expressing these concerns, followed by 30.1% facing misalignment issues. Among respondents aged 50 and above, the prevalence of gaps between teeth becomes noticeable, likely resulting from gum health issues.

A Medical Perspective

Dr. Nobuharu Honda, director of a clinic partnering with Oh my teeth, emphasizes the critical nature of these findings. He observes that even younger individuals acknowledge the importance of bite alignment, highlighting a significant shift from perceiving orthodontics solely as a cosmetic pursuit to its recognition as a health measure.

Dr. Honda asserts, "Orthodontic treatment not only restores confidence in appearance but can also play a pivotal role in preventive healthcare. As awareness about the risks of gum disease and tooth loss grows, particularly in older adults, the functional aspects of dental alignment are gaining more attention."

Concluding Thoughts

As the findings demonstrate, the dental challenges faced by individuals differ significantly with age and arouse particular interests in aesthetic or functional concerns throughout various life stages. This study calls attention to the need for comprehensive orthodontic care, emphasizing that both appearance and functionality must be prioritized in treatment planning to ensure healthier dental practices and improve the quality of life.

For anyone contemplating orthodontic treatment, understanding these generational differences may assist in making an informed decision, ensuring enhanced confidence and oral health in the long run.

More on Oh my teeth

Founded in October 2019, Oh my teeth aims to redefine the dental experience through innovative clear aligner services, emphasizing convenience with minimal clinic visits. The rising number of satisfied patients stands testament to their efficient service, paving the way for future advancements in dental care.