Do you know the importance of straight teeth?
There is a lot of stigma surrounding the use of braces by adults but in recent times, more people are being educated and understand the importance of straight teeth. This means that more adults are now opting to straighten their teeth, no matter what their age.
Straight teeth are not only aesthetically pleasing but it also plays an important role in optimising the function of and protecting your mouth. Crooked teeth (or a misaligned bite) can cause issues with simple tasks such as biting and chewing and can even create speech impediments. It can be responsible for pain and discomfort, even causing headaches and facial pain as well.
Additionally, crooked teeth are more difficult to clean. There are more tiny spaces available for plaque, tartar, and bacteria to hide and accumulate. Because of the position of each crooked tooth, it will be harder for a patient to reach all these spaces and clean effectively. This results in a build-up of plaque and bacteria and leads to tooth decay and gum disease which could cause you to prematurely lose teeth.
It is important to remember that teeth can shift at any age, even if you’ve had braces as a child or teenager. Injury to the mouth, sudden illness, poor oral hygiene, age, genetics, etc. can all contribute to the shifting of teeth as an adult and it is imperative to straighten your teeth as soon as possible to avoid any dental problems.
Which braces are best for adults?
Over the decades, dental technology has advanced greatly, resulting in many different teeth straightening options. These various options have been improved on over the years, making them more affordable, comfortable, easy to use and maintain, and less conspicuous. Whilst the traditional metal braces are one of most commonly seen orthodontic treatments, many adults are embarrassed to get them due to their high visibility. The great news though, is that there are a variety of more modern teeth straightening appliances available which are ideal for adults.
So, which braces are the best for adults? Here are our top choices:
Clear/ceramic braces
The great thing about these braces, is that they work in the same way as the traditional metal braces but without all the visible metal in your mouth. If your teeth are severely misaligned or you suffer from malocclusion (bad bite) then ceramic/clear braces could be ideal for you. The braces work by gently applying pressure to your teeth to reposition them by first moving the crown (the visible part of the tooth) and then the root. This constant pressure allows the entire tooth to be moved to its correct and straighter position over the course of the treatment. The brackets of the braces are made from clear or ceramic materials (which are coloured to match your natural teeth) making them far less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Lingual braces
If ceramic/clear braces are still too visible for you, you can opt for lingual braces. These braces work to move teeth in the same way as metal and ceramic braces but the main difference is that they are bonded to the back of your teeth! Due to their covert position, lingual braces are almost invisible in your mouth and no one will even notice them unless paying very close attention. Lingual braces are however, more difficult to clean thanks to their positioning and you will need to allocate more time every night to effectively clean your teeth and remove plaque and bacteria.
Invisalign
This method makes use of sets of removable aligner trays to straighten teeth. The aligners are made from clear, thermoplastic materials making them barely visible in your mouth. Additionally, the aligners are removable, so they can be taken out for important meetings or functions. Being removable also makes cleaning your teeth easier and less time-consuming (you’ll need to spend less time cleaning your mouth as opposed to when you have regular braces). One of other attractive qualities of Invisalign is the treatment time – average treatment is around 12 months. In some cases, results are seen in as little as 3 months!
Invisalign is becoming increasingly popular because it is a convenient and inconspicuous teeth straightening option for adults. It should be noted that not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign treatment and only your orthodontist can advise on your suitability following a thorough examination.
Straightening your teeth as an adult is nothing to be ashamed of and is actually encouraged by dental professionals. With so many options available, you will be able to choose something that suits your budget and lifestyle.
Orthodontic treatments in the Sunshine Coast
Learn more about the various orthodontic treatment options available for adults and which would be the best option for you by visiting Newwave Orthodontics. Book an appointment by calling (07) 5491 9077 or completing the inquiry form on our Contact Us page.
