It’s a sad truth that few people are born blessed with perfectly straight teeth. Most of us have to contend with crooked teeth, crowding, uneven smiles and misaligned bites. But there’s an answer: dental braces for adults.
Thanks to orthodontics, these issues can be fixed. By placing pressure on the teeth to get them to gently move to the right position, you can get straighter teeth. And it’s not just about having a beautiful smile. Having straighter teeth means being able to clean them better (no more overlapping, hard-to-reach places) and, in some cases, even improving your speech.
If you’ve been putting it off, don’t worry. You’re never too old for braces. In fact, studies show that today, adults are embracing orthodontia more than ever. More and more grownups are turning to orthodontists to help correct dental issues they’ve dealt with since childhood.
And if you’ve always hesitated because you think braces look unsightly, the more modern choices might finally convince you to get that beautifully aligned smile.
Here are your options:
Traditional braces
Traditional or conventional braces are made up of brackets that are attached to the front of the teeth and anchored by wires and elastics. The brackets can be made of metal or tooth-colored ceramic. The wires will be tightened little by little over a period of time, causing teeth to move to the right position. This will mean returning to your orthodontist for regular visits. Lingual braces are like traditional braces except that they’re attached to the back of the teeth, making them less visible.
Self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces are similar to traditional braces but they do not require the use of elastics. Instead, the archwire is held in place by the bracket with the help of a spring-loaded clip. They make for quicker visits to the orthodontist and shorter treatment time. Patients also benefit from reduced discomfort.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a series of clear tray aligners custom-made for each patient. The aligners are made of flexible plastic and are meant to be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day so they can shift the patient’s teeth over time. They are removable—they should be taken out while eating and for cleaning. But even while wearing them, they are hardly visible, making Invisalign an ideal choice for patients concerned about aesthetics.
Your orthodontist will be ready to help you make the decision in picking the option that fits your expectations, lifestyle and budget.
Whichever option you and your orthodontist choose, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene during your treatment process (and after) to make sure your teeth stay in tip-top shape.
Your BrightSmile Avenue orthodontists are ready to give you the smile you’ve been dreaming of. For inquiries, call us at +6326212556 (BGC), +6327992784 (Banawe) or +6322969239 (Makati).