Teeth straightening for adults: What do I need to know?

We are well accustomed to seeing children wearing braces in their teeth but in recent years increasing numbers of adults have chosen to have their teeth straightened.

While children are still growing dentists frequently take action to correct problems with the teeth to solve as the fact that the body is still growing makes this easier.

However, this does not mean that adults cannot have their teeth straightened it could instead take a little longer to manipulate teeth into position once they are established.

Why choose teeth straightening?

Very often the reason for an adult opting to have braces fitted to their teeth is cosmetic.

Yet it is not only the appearance of the teeth that will be improved, problems with the positioning of the teeth that can cause an overbite or make eating uncomfortable can also be addressed.

The decision to have this done later in life could be as a result of missing out on having braces fitted when a child, or because the teeth have moved over the years making an issue more pronounced.

What braces are available for adults?

The beauty of modern technical advances is that dental intervention looks far less obtrusive than you may remember in your youth.

Yes metal braces are still used and are very effective but there are other options too.

Metal braces are still the fastest way to straighten teeth but these have reduced in size and are now available in different colours.

Adults having their teeth straightened are often more conscious about the appearance of the braces and to counter a number of more discreet options are available.

These include ceramic braces that are clear or can even be matched to the colour of teeth, lingual braces that are fitted to the back of the teeth, and virtually invisible teeth aligners that fit over the teeth.

Teeth straightening treatment usually takes between 12 and 18 months but can take more or less time depending on the extent of the problem.

Are you considering teeth straightening? Get in touch with Bhandal Dental Surgery for more advice.