There is no bar from getting Orthodontics treatments simply because one is a little older. The teeth shift with age, which is a natural phenomenon although this shifting may harm our oral health. Moreover shifting of the teeth may affect one’s confidence to some extent or the other. At an advanced age, you may require orthodontic treatments either for correcting any oral health issue that may appear or simply because of enhanced aesthetics; whichever reason it is you must remember that it is never too late to reinvent your smile.
A radiant smile is often the result of properly aligned teeth and the bite. A radiant smile often brings a shot of much-needed self-confidence along with it. Thanks to the latest evolutions in orthodontic dentistry improving and enhancing smiles are now easier than ever. An array of treatment options has come into existence in the recent past that smoothly aligns with adult lifestyles. Adult orthodontics now has more options than at any time in the past ranging from cosmetic braces to clear aligners.
Older days’ social stigmas in adult orthodontics and breaking free from it
Somehow a myth has managed its existence across the ages – orthodontic braces and treatments are exclusively meant for teenagers. This myth has not even half an ounce of truth in it and yet it dictated and shaped lives over the ages. Now this is indeed high time to break free from it. Undergoing any orthodontic treatment has nothing to do with vanity and rather it solely caters to enhanced oral health, confidence level and overall health and wellbeing. In this age and time the value and benefits that adult orthodontics offers are being better understood and accepted.
Various treatment options in adult orthodontics
There are now lots of options in orthodontic treatment for adults. Let us explore some of the most popular options in the section below.
- Braces
Conventional fixed braces made of metal have existed over the ages as well as braces made from ceramic. Both these varieties and options have successfully stood the test of time. It is relevant to mention that modern braces offer even higher levels of comfort along with greater discretion compared to their older versions. As a result, the latest range of appliances is uniquely popular among adults bringing overall orthodontic dentistry nearer to both the adult and older adult population.
- Aligners
Any discussion on orthodontics for adults is never complete without including aligners. Clear aligners are particularly popular all over the world these days and the UK is no exception. This range of orthodontic appliances remains virtually invisible inside the mouth and can straighten the teeth effectively. Clear aligners do not disrupt your normal lifestyle in any way and have proven to be the perfect option for a busy lifestyle. Moreover, it enables you to maintain a smart, professional appearance. Clear aligners can be easily removed from the teeth whenever you want to facilitate proper cleaning of the mouth and convenient eating.
- Retainers
Retainers are practically indispensable in any teeth straightening treatment. This range of orthodontic appliances prevents the relapsing of the teeth or sinking back of the teeth in their original position once your treatment ends and you stop wearing your braces or aligners. Retainers can either be fixed or removable depending on your choice and requirement. Without this range of appliances, the results of almost any orthodontic treatment cannot stand the test of time.
- Arch Wires
Your journey with braces can never go in the right direction and serve its purpose without archwires. Throughout your treatment, it is these arch wires that exert a constant force on your teeth to facilitate their movement. Archways always maintain their shape and are made from several specialised components. Without arch wires, there is practically no way to make your teeth move.
- Elastics or Rubber Bands
It is because of the elastics or rubber bands that the teeth in your upper and lower rows align together correctly. Correction of bite or bite alignment is practically impossible to achieve without these elastics or rubber bands. The braces in the upper and lower jaws are connected with the help of these elastics.
- Mouth Guards
A mouth guard is undoubtedly one of the best protection gears for your teeth from potential trauma. This range of appliances is something that athletes and sportspersons just cannot do without. A good quality mouth guard has certain features – it fits perfectly in your mouth and causes no discomfort while at the same time providing optimum protection to your teeth and the other soft tissues in the mouth explains one of the best orthodontics experts for adults in London.
- Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are in reality a cosmetic alternative to traditional metal braces. The range of braces is worn or fixed to the back of the teeth and this makes the appliances practically invisible. When you are on lingual braces it is practically impossible for anyone to know that you are undergoing any orthodontic treatment, thanks to the impressive level of discretion it offers.
- Orthodontic surgeries
Orthodontic surgeries have improved a lot in recent times. This range of surgeries helps correct complex skeletal issues and also restores proper bite. Dentists rely a lot on this range of surgeries to correct misalignment of the teeth and the jaws. This is an advanced solution for patients who need much more than aligners and braces.
Now let us switch over to some questions that are frequently asked by patients who come for various orthodontic corrections.
When adults are concerned, do orthodontic treatments need a longer time?
Yes, at times the time length could be a little lengthier for adults to complete a treatment as compared to children and teenagers. There are reasons behind this which are not very difficult to understand. Adult teeth are firmly set in their places and even adult jaws and other supporting structures like bones and cartilages are full grown and rigid compared to younger patients. Thus it takes longer time and more pressure to move the teeth and the jaws into their ideal or desired position.
What are the standard costs of these treatments?
The cost of orthodontic braces for adults as well as other treatments and surgeries varies widely from case to case. However the same is also true for youngsters and teenagers too. The level of complexity in a case, the location of a practice, skills, qualifications and expertise of a dentist are some of the basic factors that determine the cost of a treatment. Contact and visit 1A Orthodontics for the best treatment.
