Adult Teeth Straightening: Your Path to a Perfect Smile with Braces

Braces are no longer just for children and teens. Did you know that up to 20 percent of all adults have likewise opted for braces in order to achieve the smile of their dreams.

Teeth straightening is indeed much more than “child’s play” and it is therefore wise to take a quick look at how such treatments work, your primary options and the final results. 

Why Opt for Orthodontic Treatment?

There is little doubt that straight teeth are aesthetically pleasing. This is nonetheless only scratching the surface in terms of the numerous other benefits which adults can leverage. Consider these additional attributes:

• Improved self-confidence
• A properly aligned bite
• Less wear and tear to the surfaces of your teeth
• Healthier gums
• The ability to eat any foods you prefer
• Fewer gum disease problems

Teeth straightening is therefore just as much associated with functionality as it is concerned with appearances alone. 

How Long Will a Treatment Require?

Many adults are concerned about treatment times. The length of a treatment will vary. For example, correcting teeth that are mildly misaligned may require between 12 and 18 months. More severe issues (such as a pronounced overbite) could take up to three years to adequately address. 

The main point here is that readjusting teeth is not an overnight process, especially if you desire superior results. This is why it pays to adopt a patient attitude to see the treatment through until completion. 

How do Braces Function?

The purpose of braces is to slowly modify the position of your teeth. They are essentially mechanical appliances that are attached to the surface of your teeth. Traditional metal braces involve brackets are connected by a wire. An orthodontist will adjust the tension of this wire in order to achieve the desired results. After a predetermined period of time, the braces will be removed. You may then be fitted with a temporary retainer. Retainers are used to ensure that your teeth remain firmly in place once they have been adjusted. 

What About the Invisalign System?

Many adults are understandably worried about the appearance of braces. The good news is that modern technology now offers a handful of unique solutions that were not available in the past. 

One extremely popular alternative comes in the form of the Invisalign system.

Invisalign braces are essentially clear plastic aligners that are moulded around your teeth. The dimensions of these trays are then modified as time goes by, functioning much in the same way as traditional braces in slowly altering the position of teeth. 

The main difference is that (as the brand name suggests), the Invisalign system is nearly invisible. In other words, you will be achieving the same results without needing to be concerned with their appearance. You can also remove them for special events, another great feature.. 

However, note that Invisalign braces can be expensive and they are not always covered by an insurance policy. There may also be times when this technique cannot be employed (such as if teeth are severely misaligned). 

To learn more, speak with your dentist or an orthodontist. 

Lingual Braces

In the event that you are not approved for the Invisalign system, there is yet another option to explore. Lingual braces will offer predictable results and they are similar to traditional braces in many ways. 

The only difference is that these will be mounted to the back of your teeth. This is an appealing strategy in terms of aesthetics alone. It is still crucial to remember that lingual braces have the tendency to collect food particles. This is why adopting the proper oral care techniques is wise if you hope to avoid issues such as cavities and gum disease. 

Maintaining Those Pearly Whites During Treatment

Both children and adults alike will need to ensure that they take adequate care of their teeth during the treatment process. As mentioned in the prior section, traditional braces are magnets for food and particulate matter in general. This is why brushing and flossing are crucial practices. There are also specific appliances that can help to access difficult areas such as the spaces between the wires and the surfaces of the teeth. 

Most experts likewise recommend using a mouthwash to remove any substances that might not have been addressed through brushing and flossing alone. After all, there is little point in obtaining braces if the health of your teeth and gums are sacrificed as a result!

Beyond Braces

Many adults tend to lead physically active lifestyles. Those who participate in activities such as contact sports should therefore take additional cautions when undergoing an orthodontic treatment. 

Mouth guards are often recommended, and for good reason. Not only can these help to protect the teeth, but they will prevent the brackets of your braces from cutting into your gums in the event of an impact or similar accident. 

And, following orthodontic treatment, you will need a mouth guard/retainer to protect your newly aligned teeth – and keep them from moving back to their original position.

There are three general categories of mouth guards to choose from:

• Custom-made mouth guards
• Boil-and-bite mouth guards
• Stock mouth guards

Custom-made mouth guards are the most effective options, as these will be shaped in accordance with the dimensions of your bite. However, those who are concerned about the cost of these devices may instead choose boil-and-bite guards or commercially produced models. 

Note that such alternatives are not intended to provide the amount of protection offered by a custom-made order. Your dentist/orthodontist will insist on a customized mouthguard/retainer for your newly aligned teeth.

Feel Free to Smile

It is now possible to enjoy a set of straight teeth at virtually any age. If you want to sport a stunning smile, do not hesitate to speak with an orthodontist in order to discover your options.