For people who didn't get braces as teenagers, it can be hard to be fathom taking the plunge as an adult. Braces have come a long way in the last decade and you might be surprised how much less obvious and easier to manage braces can be, and how quickly you could have a lovely straight smile.
Here are some of the less obtrusive options.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are very similar in style and technique to traditional braces. The significant difference is that the braces are placed inside the mouth, so are not visible to outsiders.
The main downside of lingual braces is a slightly higher cost than traditional braces, and slightly longer adjustment appointments. Adjustment is more challenging as the dentist has less access on the internal diameter of the teeth than on braces on the external face of the teeth.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces use a ceramic placeholder that is colour matched to the tooth, and tooth coloured wires. The braces operated as normal but are less noticeable. Ceramic braces are slightly more expensive due to the cost of the ceramic placeholder material, compared to metal.
Ceramic braces are subject to staining, which can be more of an issue for adult users who are much more likely to be avid coffee or red wine drinkers compared to teenagers!
Newer Style Metal Braces
Newer style metal braces are substantially less bulky than the "train track" style of heavy braces common in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Metal braces are also more comfortable as newer metal alloys are being used which lead to less pressure and easier cleaning.
Metal braces are the cheapest option for braces, and are still the preferred option in cases where a substantial realignment of the teeth is being carried out.
Invisible Aligners and Retainers
Clear plastic aligners are made every two weeks, and can be removed if the user wants to take them out for a special event. These are a very popular option for adult braces but tend to take a longer time to create realignment and cannot be used on more serious alignment issues. They are also very easy to lose, or leave behind, if you spend some nights away from home.
If you are interested in the options for adult braces and smile realignment, you should talk to your dentist or an orthodontist (like those at Perfect Smiles Orthodontics) to discuss the best option for your alignment issues. Before you know it, you could be stunning everyone with your big, bright and straight-toothed smile!
Share23 March 2015
As a retired dentist, I work with charities which visit developing countries and educate children about dental care. It gives me great satisfaction to revisit these communities and see how proud the children are of their efforts. I am acutely aware that good dental hygiene can help prevent a range of serious conditions when these children become older. I started this blog because it greatly distresses me that many people in Australia do not seem to care for their teeth as much as children in these poor communities. This is happening despite ready access to items like toothbrushes and toothpaste which are luxuries in the places I visit. It is my hope that this blog encourages you not to take dental health for granted. My greatest wish is that you can be as inspired as the children I see in my charity work. Please read on and enjoy.
