Straighten Teeth without the Metal Mouth

If you would like to improve your smile, but think you are too old for braces – think again. It’s never too late to straighten your teeth. More and more adults are wearing braces, and braces are advancing to fit the needs and desires of the adults who need them. “For many adults, the improvement in their health and appearance after braces is well worth the time and expense,” says Dr. Maria Lopez Howell of the ADA’s Dental Minute.
The thing that stops most adults from looking into braces is the fear of looking like a kid or becoming even more ashamed of their smile than they already are. Visions of silver brackets and metal wires are what we think of when we hear the word braces. There was a time when that would have been exactly what was involved. No more, however. Brackets are smaller than ever before and now come in a variety of colors to fit every need. Clear and tooth colored brackets are available, as well as brackets that are fitted on the backside of the teeth rather than the front. In short, orthodontic appliances are much less noticeable than they were when you were a teenager.

One technological advance that is very popular with adults who find they wished they’d worn braces earlier involves clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth. With computer technology and advanced 3D imaging, these devices can be customized for a variety of needs.

Who might benefit from these “invisible” braces?

Find a dentist to discuss the specifics of your needs, but you might be a candidate for invisible braces if you suffer from any of the following:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crooked teeth
• Protruding teeth
• Uneven gaps between teeth

What most people don’t think about is the fact that braces provide more benefit that just a better smile. While appearances are important, so is your oral health. People with crooked teeth are more likely to suffer from gum disease. If your alignment problems make it more difficult to properly clean your teeth, you are more likely to loose teeth and end up with dentures or implants.

What is involved in getting invisible braces?

Once you’ve decided with your dentist that invisible braces are for you, a mold and probably some pictures will be taken of your teeth. This takes only a few minutes in your dentist’s office. A computer will generate a 3D model of your mouth with current teeth placement and how you would like your teeth to look in the end. A series of clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth will then be created. Most people will need somewhere between 12 and 40 devices which are expected to be worn for two to three weeks at a time. Each device will gradually move the teeth toward the desired relocation. The dentist will likely provide you with multiple aligners at a time, but if total number needed to perform the job are significant, they will likely not all be made so that adjustments for actual progress can be assessed.

Do invisible braces work as well as traditional?

The plastic retainers are completely adequate for many adjustment needs. If your condition is severe, however, your dentist might recommend the more traditional route of brackets and wires. There are plenty of dentists moving toward the use of these clear plastic devices, however, for even the more involved cases. Be sure to ask around and take the time to talk with other patients to find out how satisfied they are with the process. Most wearers report that after an initial adjustment period of only one to three weeks, they are entirely confident that invisible braces are the way to go. Patients usually notice differences in their teeth within the first two aligners and overwhelmingly describe the expense as well worth it.

What are other benefits, aside from invisibility?

The clear plastic aligners, unlike standard braces, can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning the teeth. Though the aligners have to be cleaned, as well, this is easier than having to clean between wires and brackets. Standard toothpaste, floss, and your typical mouth rinse are usually all that you need to care for invisible braces. Dedication in wearing them—returning them to your mouth after meals—of course, is crucial to success with these devices. If you think you lack the discipline to wear the aligners except when convenient, you might reconsider traditional braces. Both are an investment in time and expense, the difference being that the standard bracket and wire cannot be removed on a whim.