Orthodontic treatment is possible for adults of any age. You can have a healthy and ravishing smile at any age.Recent advances in orthodontic appliances offer you different types of braces which will best fit your lifestyle. These have made orthodontic treatment more comfortable and less noticeable than before.Orthodontic treatment can straighten your teeth, close gaps in your smile and space out crowded teeth.
Leaving skewed teeth untreated may prompt other dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and difficulty in chewing. Orthodontic treatment creates a better bite, making teeth fit better and diminishing the risk of future dental problems regardless of age.
How are misaligned teeth corrected in adults?
Braces are the most common appliances used in orthodontic treatment. These are used in orthodontics to make the teeth straight and align them according to a person’s bite.Braces benefit patients of any age.
How do braces work?
Braces consist of brackets and wires. Brackets are fitted on each tooth on the front surface and wire is passed along the brackets. Brackets hold the wire using elastic bands. Braces apply steadyforce and pressure on the teeth and move the teeth into desired or proper positions. In thisprocess, the teeth get loosened after which new bone grows in to support the teeth in their new position. This is called bone remodeling.
This movement should be done slowly; otherwise the patient may risk losing his/her teeth. This is the reason why braces are commonly worn for a year or more and adjustments are made in regular visits to the dentist. The braces apply constant pressure and amount of force required for teeth movement depends on the age of the patient and the type of tooth movement required.
What are the types of dental braces?
Metal braces:
The most common type of braces is metal braces.The metal used is stainless steel. These are traditional type with metal bodies attached to the teeth and elastic rubber bands holding the wire on to brackets. These bands can be of different colors and you can choose the colors during your visits.
The second type of braces is self-ligating braces, which do not require elastic bands. It has a wire which goes through the brackets without elastics. With this kind of braces patients often have less pain and more comfort.
Ceramic braces:
These types of braces are made of ceramic material which mimics the tooth color making the braces less noticeable unlike traditional grey or metallic braces. They function similar to metal braces but are delicate limiting use of heavy forces. Also ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces.
Lingual braces:
Lingual braces include brackets and wires attached to the lingual or inner surface of the teeth serving the cosmetic purpose in social or professional situations. Any discoloration or staining occurs on the inner side of the teeth so your visible surfaces are unaffected. Though cost is little higher compared to metal braces they are highly preferred by the patients concerned about the esthetics.
Invisible braces:
These are a great alternative for patients who want a straighter smile but do not want to be visible. These braces straighten the teeth without using wires and brackets (metal bodies over teeth) instead use a series of plastic, customized, removable appliances called aligners. They are fabricated to fit each person’s mouth. These braces are clear and blend in more with the natural color of the teeth. These are easier to clean and more comfortable as they are less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks.
Care during orthodontic treatment:
It is very important to brush and floss your teeth after every meal when you are on braces. This allows your gums and teeth to be healthy throughout the treatment process. Our Orthodontists help you choose the right toothbrush, dental floss and right brushing techniques.
You can continue to participate in any sports even if you have braces. A specially designed mouthguard is to be worn while playing sports where there is a chance of getting hit.
Brushing Techniques:
Use a soft bristled and specially designed tooth brush during braces treatment. Use gentle strokes to brush instead of saw like motion. The tooth brush has to be placed at an angle of 45 degrees on the teeth and use circular motions. Brushing twice a day; once after you wake up and once before you go to bed is recommended. Also brushing after every meal keeps the teeth and braces clean.
