Category: Teeth Straightening

Adult braces

Wish you’d had your teeth straightened when you were younger?

People often assume they’ve missed the boat. After all, braces tend to be associated with children and teenagers – and there comes a point when you’re just too old. Right?

Wrong. It simply isn’t true.

There is no upper age limit on having straighter teeth. Yes, early orthodontic intervention can work wonders for overbites, underbites, crooked teeth etc. But that doesn’t mean such interventions are restricted to your childhood. In fact, just like the rest of our body, our jaw can change over time – and even if you had perfectly straight teeth as a child, alignment issues can arise later in life.

According to the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), adult braces have grown in popularity over the last few years, as attitudes have changed and the treatment has advanced. Yet lots of grown-ups still have reservations. Here we take a look at those reservations and explore how Invisalign® – the latest type of braces to be developed – could tip the balance and encourage you to go ahead.

 

3 common reservations about adult braces

  1. They’ll look unsightly

Lots of people shy away from adult braces because of how they believe they will look. Perhaps you’d feel self-conscious? Or wouldn’t want people to know you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment?

It’s fair to say, traditional ‘train track’ braces aren’t very attractive – and we can understand why, as an adult, you’d be reluctant to wear them for any length of time. But thankfully, there are now several other options available that are significantly more discreet, including Invisalign®.

No need for metal wires and brackets. Instead, you’ll be given a series of clear aligners, which simply slot over your teeth. These aligners are barely noticeable. People won’t even realise you’re wearing them; yet by applying gentle pressure, they will gradually move your teeth into the desired position.

 

  1. They’ll take too long to work

Teeth straightening for adults can take slightly longer than it would for a child. Your jawbone is thicker and your teeth have been in their current position for longer, so it’s only natural. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be wearing adult braces for an unreasonable length of time.

Invisalign® braces, for example, have been specifically designed to be fast-acting. Each aligner is typically worn for a fortnight, before being swapped for the next. The results are often visible within just a few weeks and the full treatment can take as little as six months to complete.

 

  1. They’re inconvenient

Classic metal braces are notoriously difficult to keep clean. They require vigorous scrubbing to remove unwanted food and bacteria. What’s more, extra care needs to be taken to keep your teeth clean and avoid a build-up of plaque. And that alone is enough to put some adults off.

Again, Invisalign® braces avoid this issue. The clear aligners are fully removable. Which means, you can simply take them out whilst you are eating and pop them back in once you are done, and continue to brush your teeth as usual. They’ll have zero impact on your day-to-day life.

 

Invisalign braces

 

Want to know more about clear braces for adults?

We can help. Invisalign® is available at Kiln Lane Dental and we know everything there is to know about it.

Detailed information can be found throughout our site, including in our previous blogs ‘3 benefits of Invisalign® braces’ and ‘Invisalign® – the best way to straighten teeth’. So if you’re considering invisible adult braces in St Helens, be sure to check these out. Or if you prefer, you’re always welcome to get in touch. We’re happy to answer any questions. Just give us a call on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk.

There are many reasons why people choose to have braces later in life, and we’ve previously treated patients in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. You’re never too old for a straight, beautiful smile. And with the development of clear braces for adults, absolutely nothing should hold you back. Invisalign® is a non-invasive yet life-changing treatment and it could be the perfect solution for you.

 

How to straighten teeth

Want a straight smile, but not thrilled about the idea of braces?

We don’t blame you.

Braces may have come a long way since their early days and use much smaller brackets and less metal than they used to. But they’re still unattractive and uncomfortable – and can have a huge impact on day-to-day life. So, it’s not surprising that most people choose to avoid them.

Thankfully, a number of alternatives are available. Due to advancements in dental technology, it’s now possible to straighten your teeth without the need for braces. Here we explore how.

 

3 ways to straighten teeth without braces

1. Invisalign®

Invisalign® is a clinically-proven and effective treatment. It works in a similar way to braces. But rather than being fitted with unsightly metal wires, you’re given a series of removable plastic aligners – which apply gentle pressure and gradually move the teeth into the desired position.

These aligners are custom-made (based upon a 3D image of your mouth) and each one must be worn for 20-22 hours a day, for two weeks each. But they’re virtually invisible. People won’t even realise you’re wearing them and you can easily take them out for eating and brushing.

This treatment is suitable for a range of teeth straightening issues, including everything from gapping to overcrowding, and it can help to create your dream smile in as little as six months.

 

A way to straighten teeth without the need for braces

 

2. Porcelain veneers

Veneers are a fantastic way to ‘visually’ straighten teeth without the need for braces.

Essentially, they can be used to create the illusion of a straight smile. Instead of physically moving the teeth into the correct position, ultra-thin porcelain shells are custom-made and bonded permanently to the enamel. These shells significantly improve the shape and colour of the teeth and can be used to rectify severe crookedness, misalignments and common tooth spacing issues.

Several appointments will be required to create and fit the porcelain veneers. But the results are instantaneous and, compared to removable aligners, this is a much quicker way to achieve the perfect smile.

 

3. Crowns

Another quick fix. But this time, for minor imperfections. Crowns are artificial ‘caps’ that are cemented on top of the natural tooth. These are typically used if just one or two teeth are misaligned – helping to improve their appearance and creating an overall straighter smile.

Again, the crowns will need to be custom-made at a specialist dental lab and several appointments may be necessary. But they’re an efficient and simple way to ‘visually’ straighten your teeth, without having to endure metal braces.

 

Crown being used to straighten the teeth without braces

 

Discover more about modern teeth straightening solutions

Teeth straightening – of any sort – is bound to improve your appearance and confidence levels. But treatments that don’t require metal braces do have additional benefits. For example:

  • they’re usually invisible, having less impact on your everyday life
  • they’re often faster and, in some cases, improvements can be seen instantly
  • the results are typically permanent or very easy to maintain

Here at Kiln Lane Dental, we currently offer all of the teeth straightening treatments outlined above (and more) – and our team of experienced dentists can advise on the best one to tackle your ‘teeth straightening’ issue. We’ve helped many patients to create their dream smile – whether that be using Invisalign®, porcelain veneers, crowns etc. – and we could do exactly the same for you.

 

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So, why not get in touch? For more information on how to straighten your teeth, or to book your first consultation, feel free to give our St Helens dental clinic a call on 01744 25776 during opening hours. Alternatively, you can send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.