Braces are an effective treatment for patients of all ages.
If you would like to straighten your teeth, but never had the opportunity to undergo orthodontic treatment as a child, you’ll be please to know that it’s not too late. In fact, more and more adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment and braces remain a popular choice. Read on to find out why you might consider braces as an adult, and what you should know about life during orthodontic treatment…
Why consider braces?
There are a number of reasons you might consider getting braces as an adult. If you have crooked, misaligned or uneven teeth, you might struggle with certain oral health issues — these include bite problems, excessive wear and tear on the teeth, gum disease, tooth decay and chipped teeth. In this case, you might choose to have braces fitted in order to improve your oral health.
Many adults opt for braces in order to improve the aesthetics of their smile. After orthodontic treatment, one can expect to enjoy a straighter, more beautiful smile.
What types of braces are available?
The good news is that there are a number of treatment options to choose from. Traditional metal braces remain a popular choice and achieve excellent results even in complex cases. For those who would prefer a more discreet option, clear braces may be preferable. They involve the installation of clear brackets on the teeth, just like traditional braces, but are less noticeable.
For an even more discreet option, clear aligners are an effective orthodontic solution. Clear aligners are made from plastic and are virtually invisible.
How do you take care of braces?
If you choose to have braces placed, it is important that you watch what you eat. Certain foods can cause damage to your braces, while others can contribute to staining and tooth decay. It is best to avoid foods that are particularly hard, crunchy, or chewy.
It is also very important that you commit to a strict oral hygiene routine throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment. Brush your teeth after every meal or snack to ensure that food particles and plaque are removed from between the teeth and braces. If you don’t have a toothbrush with you after you have eaten, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash. You should also floss at least once a day in order to maintain good oral health while you have braces.
Are there potential issues?
As an adult, there are a few factors that you will need to consider before going ahead with treatment. Your dentist will discuss any potential issues that could affect the duration of your treatment, including bone loss or gum disease that could complicate your treatment.
In some cases, adult patients have had teeth extracted in the past. These missing teeth may need to be restored before you can have braces fitted because gaps between the teeth can be difficult to address with braces in adult patients.
How can we help?
At Iris Dental, we offer a number of orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages. If you are suffering from crooked or crowded teeth, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can discuss a solution that suits your particular needs. By addressing orthodontic concerns, it is possible to prevent complications, such as jaw problems and wear and tear on the teeth.
The orthodontic treatments that we offer include traditional metal braces, clear braces and Invisalign. We also offer the POWER PROX 6 months braces, which are often an effective option in the treatment of minor to moderate cases.
If you would like to find out more about the orthodontic treatments that we offer at Iris Dental, please have a look here.
If you would like to come in and see us, please get in touch here or give us a call on 03 9394 7877 to arrange a consultation.