When it comes to adult braces it seems that more and more of us are taking the plunge – celebrities included. But the thought of choosing to wear those clunky metal braces that you remember from school days, are you kidding? Well, the good news is that thanks to huge advancements in orthodontics there’s a wide choice of teeth braces for adults including braces that are worn over the front of the teeth, braces that fit behind the teeth, clear or ceramic braces, and aligner systems such as Invisalign.

What’s more, orthodontics for children and adults is fairly similar although treatment can take longer in adults. It’s good to know that it’s never too late to improve your dental health and make your smile more attractive. A visit to your dentist can confirm whether or not you do indeed require orthodontic treatment and what your best treatment options are.

So why would an adult need dental braces?

Some adults might not have undergone the orthodontic treatment they required when they were children in order to correct problems such as an underbite or overbite, crooked or crowded teeth, or an incorrect jaw position. Without treatment, these issues can lead to gum disease and cavities, earache, headaches, as well as a difficulty in biting, chewing, and speaking. So aside from not wanting to look like Ugly Betty or Jaws from the James Bond films, what other factors should you take into consideration? Of course, cost is a big determining factor as some treatments are cheaper than others, but there are other factors that may also influence your decision. These include:

  • Whether you’ll feel self-conscious wearing a brace that is noticeable to others
  • Whether you’re more concerned about correcting the aesthetics of your smile rather than your bite, and…
  • The likely duration of your treatment.

For those looking for complete anonymity, Invisalign is one of the most popular choices of adult orthodontic treatment. Why?

Because unlike other brace systems, it doesn’t rely on brackets and wiring to move your teeth. Instead, a series of lightweight invisible aligners are worn over the teeth, kind of like an invisible gum shield. What’s more, because they involve 3D computer planning, patients can view braces before and after pictures so they know how their new smile will look.

If you’re new to adult braces, then you might be wondering about what happens when your braces finally come off.

Bracing yourself for the final reveal

So the day has come to remove your braces! The first thing you may want to do is to grab your phone and take an selfie, but wait, you’re not quite done yet. Your dentist will want you to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back into their old position. Typically these can be removable or worn in a fixed unseen position on your teeth and is custom made just for you, so it should feel pretty comfortable in the mouth.

adult bracesHaving your dental braces removed is arguably the best part of the orthodontic experience and once you see the result, you won’t be able to stop smiling. Just remember to listen to your dentist’s advice and follow his instructions to the letter. That way you’ll protect your investment and have a brilliant new smile which can totally transform your life.

To learn more about adult braces and whether or not you need them, give us a call (02) 8074 3849 to book an appointment with Evergreen Dental. We’d love to give you a smile to be proud of.

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