A guide to getting braces at any age
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So you want straighter teeth?
Braces at any stage of life
While braces are often associated with childhood, achieving a straight smile is possible at any age. This guide outlines the benefits and considerations for orthodontic treatment at different stages of life.
The importance of Dental Health
Straight teeth are more than just cosmetic; they contribute to better oral hygiene and overall health. Misaligned teeth can trap plaque and bacteria, leading to decay and gum disease. This build up of Plaque and bacteria can occur in these hard to reach spots, often leading to decay to your teeth. This is why, when a patient attends a consultation for braces, their orthodontist examines their mouth all kind of different issues. They will ask a lot of questions, but what they are trying to do is build up a comprehensive oral review.
Braces can correct these issues, promoting long-term dental health
As you get older, you will start to lose collagen, this in turn affects the skin and leads to reduced volume and hollowness in the face. But, it also affects the mouth by making your lower teeth more visible with age. Additionally, it can also cause the teeth to move and become loose or crooked. You can consider orthodontic braces treatment if you have one of the following conditions:
- Speech Issues
- Difficulty chewing food
- Bite problems
- If food often gets stuck between the gaps in your teeth
- Swollen Gums
Age Considerations:
- Teens and Early Twenties: This is the ideal time for braces because the jawbone is still growing, allowing for faster tooth movement. Treatment times tend to be shorter compared to adults.
- Thirties and Forties: Adults in this age group can still benefit from braces. Treatment times may be slightly longer, but advancements in orthodontics offer a variety of options to suit your needs and lifestyle.
- Forty-Five and Over: It’s never too late to improve your smile! Teeth can still be moved with braces, and healthy gums are more important than age for successful treatment.
The most influential factor in advising if a braces treatment is suitable will be the condition of your teeth, jaw and oral health and the improvements in oral health that can be achieved via a braces treatment.
Common Braces Options:
- Traditional Metal Braces: The most common and cost-effective option, effective for various orthodontic corrections.
- Clear Ceramic Braces: Less noticeable than metal braces, blending in with tooth color.
- Fastbraces: a new technology that allows teeth alignment to be achieved faster for minor corrections.
- Invisalign: Clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten teeth. A good option for minor misalignment and spacing issues.
(Additional Options):
- Self-ligating Braces: These braces use clips instead of elastics to hold the wires, reducing adjustment appointments and discomfort.
- Clear Aligners (Other than Invisalign): Several brands offer clear aligner options besides Invisalign, each with varying features and benefits.
- Lingual Braces Attached behind the teeth for complete invisibility.
Benefits of Braces for Adults:
- Improved oral health and reduced risk of dental problems.
- Increased confidence and self-esteem through a straighter smile.
- Improved chewing function and speech.
- Wide range of treatment options available to fit your preferences and budget.
Considering Braces?
If you’re thinking about braces, consult a dentist or orthodontist. They will assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment. With advancements in orthodontics, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is possible at any age.
Complex cases take longer
Every case is different; however, some orthodontic braces treatments are easier than others. The minimum time to wear brace can be as short as a few months to fix a simple problem such as a crooked tooth or spacing issue to longer as some adults have more complex cases with many problems to treat. Adult patients are very often surprised to find out that braces treatment can not only fix crooked teeth, but also correct related dental issues such as gum and bone loss, abnormal wearing off of enamel, jaw pain, headaches and even tooth decay. Complex cases can take 36 months or longer for all teeth to be in the desired position.
How much do adult braces cost?
Cost of adult braces often depends on the type of braces you choose and the duration of the orthodontic treatment. Typically, adult brace treatment can cost between £1,795 to £4,000.
While braces are typically a recommended treatment for children aged 12 years or older, this advised by the NHS on the grounds that by this age adult teeth will have come through. An initial assessment allows orthodontists to identify potential issues early on, like jaw growth discrepancies or severe crowding, and intervene with measures like spacers or palatal expanders if necessary. Early intervention can sometimes prevent the need for full braces later.
*whites dental to not have Child specific Orthodontists and as such we would recommend you utilise our information on our central London dental clinics to assist you in finding a suitable clinic.
Preparing for Braces (Any Age):
- Dental Hygiene: Having healthy teeth and gums is crucial before starting braces. This might involve addressing any existing cavities or gum concerns.
- Commitment: Braces require commitment for regular adjustments and proper cleaning routines to avoid complications.
- Cost and Insurance: Orthodontic treatment can be expensive. Discussing costs and insurance coverage with your orthodontist is important.
Beyond Braces (Retainers):
After your braces are removed, wearing retainers is essential to maintain your new smile. Retainers come in various types (fixed or removable) and should be worn as instructed by your orthodontist.
Remember, this is just a general overview. The best course of action is to arrange you free consultation with our team at Whites Dental or alternative reputable orthodontist for personalised advice on your specific situation. They can assess your needs, recommend the most suitable braces treatment option, and address any concerns you might have.
For more information about Whistes Dental Orthodontists in London you have an extensive resource available at Braces Information.
Looking for an Orthodontist in London?
Whites Dental in London Waterloo offers a variety of orthodontic treatments, including braces and Invisalign. We have experienced dentists to help you achieve your smile goals. Contact us today for a free braces consultation.