Orthodontics isn't just for teenagers! Thanks to advances in technology, more adults are now choosing to fix a crooked smile or a bad bite without having to wear braces. Talk to your dentist to find out what treatments are suitable for you.
Do I need to straighten my teeth?
Some people want a straighter smile to improve their appearance, but orthodontics can have benefits for health and wellbeing too.
- Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can affect people's ability to eat or speak properly.
- It could also be harder to brush and floss your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay and other dental diseases.
- A misaligned bite (such as overbite, underbite or crossbite) can put strain on the teeth and jaws, leading to problems like teeth wear, teeth grinding or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
- Teeth that stick out are more easily damaged and can affect a person's self-esteem.
If you need a lot of teeth straightening or alignment, your dentist will recommend braces, as these apply more force. However, if you only have a mild or moderate orthodontic issue, you could be a candidate for these brace alternatives.
Invisalign® aligners
Invisalign treatment uses clear aligners made from transparent plastic that are hard to see in the mouth. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and use computer software to design aligners that are a perfect fit for your mouth, while also applying gentle pressure to move your teeth.
Each set of aligners is worn for a few weeks before getting replaced with the next set. These can be taken out when you eat and brush your teeth, so you won't have to avoid certain foods like you would with braces.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment rather than an orthodontic treatment, as they cover up teeth to change their appearance rather than moving the teeth or jaws. Veneers can be used to straighten teeth that are slightly crooked or to cover up gaps, stains or misshapen teeth.
Veneers are made from either porcelain or a composite resin. Porcelain veneers are stronger and look more like natural tooth enamel, but they also cost more and take more visits to complete. Your teeth might feel more sensitive after veneers are fitted.
What if I need braces?
If your dentist tells you that you need braces, don't worry – today's braces are a lot smaller and less obvious than the 'train tracks' you might remember from childhood.
There are also alternatives to traditional metal braces if you don't like how they look. Some of these include:
- Ceramic braces – 'invisible' braces made from ceramic can be matched to the shade of your teeth, making them harder to see in your mouth.
- Lingual braces – these braces are fitted to the back of the teeth, so you can't see them from the outside. These aren't suitable for all conditions though, and they could make it harder to clean your teeth.
Orthodontics Gold Coast
If you're thinking about straightening your teeth, or your child's teeth, make an appointment with our dentists at Robina Town Dental. We'll give you a complete orthodontic assessment and tell you about all the treatments we offer to help you get the smile you want.
Call our team today on 07 5575 9100 or find us in Robina Town Shopping Centre.
References
Dental Health Services Victoria. Dental alignment problems [Online] 2011 [Accessed July 2019] Available from: https://www.dhsv.org.au/dental-health/teeth-tips-and-facts/orthodontics/dental-alignment-problems
Orthodontics Australia. All about clear aligners [Online] 2016 [Accessed July 2019] Available from: https://orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/all-about-clear-aligners/
Healthdirect. Veneers [Online] 2018 [Accessed July 2019] Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/veneers
Healthdirect. Dental braces and retainers [Online] 2018 [Accessed July 2019] Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-braces-and-retainers