You may be wondering how you can achieve the perfect smile, especially if you’re an adult with malaligned teeth. Straight teeth not only look great but can also help prevent tooth or jaw-related issues in the future. What most people don’t realize is that straightening your teeth is possible no matter your age. In fact, the majority of orthodontics in our practice is done on adults!
Of course, if you’re an adult, you may be hesitant about traditional braces. The metal brackets are annoying, to say the least, and the aesthetics can have you looking like a middle school student. Fortunately, there are options beyond traditional braces to help you get your best smile. In this article, we share some information on removable, invisible and visible braces to help fix crooked teeth in both teens and adults.
Take note that trying to fix these issues at home using DIY orthodontics without the consultation of a dentist is dangerous and rarely effective. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist to help investigate which options may be right for you.
Teeth Straightening Braces
Braces work by slowly applying pressure to move your teeth into a straighter alignment. Brackets are cemented onto the teeth and connected by wires. Your dentist or orthodontist will adjust the wires at regular intervals to apply the appropriate pressure.
Generally, braces are worn on the teeth over a period of one to three years. There are several options of braces available today including invisible braces that are placed behind the teeth, braces with bright colours, or subtle braces that match the colour of your teeth. Each of these options requires that you, the patient, are a good candidate.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Are you interested in clear aligner orthodontics? You may have heard about Invisalign before as it gained huge popularity over the last decade as an effective method for straightening teeth without the disadvantages of traditional braces. Invisalign is an excellent method for getting straight teeth, especially for those who want to do so discreetly.
The trays are made of transparent plastic that is specifically created for your mouth and customized by your dentist to move your teeth. These aligners are changed every week and your dentist will provide you with several at each appointment so visits aren’t as frequent. Each tray is crafted so that your teeth will be slightly straighter than with the previous tray.
Photographs of your teeth and face, digital impressions of your teeth and x-rays will be sent to Invisalign with detailed instructions on how the dentist wants the teeth to be moved. Treatment with Invisalign typically lasts between 6 and 24 months with the average treatment time lasting about a year.
After your treatment, a retainer will be recommended to help keep your teeth straight. Retention is a critical component of any tooth movement protocol as your teeth will have a tendency to return to their original position. In our practice, you’re offered either a bonded lingual wire that hides behind your teeth or clear Vivera retainers that you wear at night. Either way, you’ll need something to keep your teeth beautiful after treatment is done. Both these options are included in the fee for Invisalign at our practice.
Is Invisalign right for me?
Invisalign can be suitable for adults and teens looking to achieve straighter teeth. They are not suitable for children that may still have adult teeth growing.
While other appliances such as braces are effective for straightening teeth, the option of clear plastic aligners to align teeth can help you discreetly improve your smile and oral health. They are practically invisible as you speak, laugh or smile. It’s a great option for busy adults who don’t want to advertise to the world that they are straightening their teeth.
If you’re considering different ways to straighten teeth without traditional braces, visit your North Vancouver dentists at Peak Dental Arts to learn about the safest and most effective ways to improve your smile. Get the winning smile you’ve always dreamed of and deserve!
