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The short answer is no. You don’t have to spend the rest of your life hiding your smile. Each patient is different and each treatment journey will be unique, but age is rarely a factor.
Advances in orthodontics have made treatment more comfortable and less noticeable than ever with many of today’s treatment options designed to minimize the appearance of the appliance used to better fit any lifestyle. Options include clear aligners such as Invisalign, tooth-coloured braces and braces that go behind the teeth.
We are never too old to change our smiles and straighten our teeth. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children or teenagers, but in general, treatment could take longer than when you are an adult, due to the density of the bone tissue, but age will not prevent teeth from moving.
Our dentists in Stourbridge are highly-trained in orthodontic treatments including Invisalign, Six Month Smiles and Lingual braces to name a few and are best placed to talk to you about the pros and cons of teeth straightening and which orthodontic solution is best for you. In a orthodontic consultation, they will discuss your smile and understand what you would like to change. To move your teeth in their ideal positions, your dentist will recommend either fixed braces or removable aligners, such as Invisalign, which will gently and predictably reposition your teeth.
The main benefit of straightening your teeth as an adult is cosmetic, as correcting crooked teeth can improve self-confidence. Straighter teeth are also easier to keep clean because the food will not stick in hard-to-reach places, making it easier to brush and floss your teeth after each meal. Having straight teeth also helps reduce tooth decay and gum disease which is known to affect almost 50% of adults age 30 and over. A healthy smile also helps prevent TMJ (jaw) problems and clenching of the jaws which could lead to tooth wear, headaches or neck pain in the long run.
Just because you didn’t have orthodontic treatment when you were younger doesn’t prevent you from doing something about it now. You can have the smile you’ve always wanted. If you would like to discuss your options book a free consultation with Antonio Garcia Climent, our highly trained orthodontic dentist at Stourbridge Dental & Implant Clinic.
Traditional fixed braces are metal brackets that are fixed to the front surface of the teeth. A wire is threaded through each bracket and tightened periodically at appointments throughout the treatment plan. The brackets are visible but you can choose tooth-coloured ceramic braces if you are self-conscious about the metal brackets.
Invisalign clear aligners are removable trays that fit over your teeth, you will receive a series of trays, which you’ll change every few weeks, with each tray adjusting your teeth slightly over time. They are clear and hard to spot, making them a good option for people who may be self-conscious about wearing traditional braces. We recommend they are worn for a minimum of 20 hours a day but they can be removed when eating or for meetings, dates and interviews. They’re easy to care for and can be cleaned with warm water and soap or toothpaste. These benefits make them a popular choice with our patients.
Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth and are nearly invisible so are a good choice if you do not want to draw attention to your orthodontic treatment. They are not suitable for people with deep overbites and some people find, they can irritate the tongue or make it hard to speak without a lisp.
Retainers are fixed or removable appliances that you wear to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. Typically, you wear removable retainers overnight to help maintain the position of straightened teeth. We provide a free set of removable retainers with all our orthodontic treatment plans.
Book a free consultation at our dental practice in Stourbridge and together we can choose an appliance and treatment plan that fits in with your requirements and lifestyle. We include a free 3D smile scan at the start of the process as well as free teeth whitening and cosmetic re-contouring at the end of treatment for a brilliant result and a free set of retainers to maintain your new straight smile. Speak to our friendly team today.
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