If you didn’t have braces as a child but you’d still like to have straight teeth to boost your confidence, it’s not too late now that you’re an adult.
Braces have come a long way in recent years and they’re no longer the cumbersome metal and wire embarrassments they used to be, although metal braces are still an effective way to straighten teeth at an affordable price.
Let’s take a look at some of the options that are available now.
Why Straighten your Teeth?
Orthodontic treatments to straighten your teeth are usually done for aesthetic reasons, after all, who doesn’t want a perfect smile?
However, straightening the teeth can improve their function and make dental hygiene an easier job.
A misaligned bite can cause all kinds of problems from increased tooth wear to sleep apnoea and all its associated health risks.
Traditional Braces
Due to their lower price, metal braces are still one of the most popular orthodontic treatments for children and teenagers.
A small metal bracket is bonded to each tooth, and wire threaded through each one. The wire is tightened at regular intervals to gradually move the teeth into alignment.
Since there’s no chance people won’t notice your braces, you can choose to have them in different colours for a bit of fun.
The downside is they’re hard to keep clean, and they can be uncomfortable, especially just after each adjustment.
Working in the same way as metal braces, clear or tooth coloured ceramic braces are less obvious and are a good choice for adults and teenagers.
Once your braces are removed you often wear a retainer at night for some time to keep your teeth in position.
Clear Aligners
Clear plastic aligners such as the popular Invisalign can be removed for eating and brushing your teeth, and they’re most efficient for those with minor orthodontic issues.
They are much more comfortable than traditional and ceramic braces and they’re almost invisible. Due to their ability to be removed at will, they can be less efficient if not worn often enough.
Their effectiveness and the length of time you need to use them also depends on how often you wear them each day.
Other Types of Braces
You might want to consider lingual braces which are like traditional braces but on the inside surface of your teeth, and they’re completely invisible to other people.
The downside is they can be uncomfortable and take some getting used to because they affect your speech and ability to eat.
North Lakes Dental Clinic
At Mango Hill Dental we’re Brisbane’s smile perfectionists and our friendly team is dedicated to making you look and feel beautiful with a dazzling smile and white, healthy teeth.
We can fix or maintain your smile with a full range of affordable and life changing preventative, general and cosmetic dental treatments to give you the confidence to take on anything life offers you.
Call us on 07 3482 2209 to make an appointment for a consultation, or for more information about our dental services.