If your teeth are not straight, you can improve your dental health and sense of self confidence with orthodontic braces. You are never too old to wear braces; in fact, the latest orthodontics are very well suited to older patients who would like to straighten crooked teeth. Let’s compare how they work, so you can evaluate whether they will assist with your dental care needs.
The Importance Of Straightening Crooked Teeth
While straight teeth certainly do contribute to the aesthetics of a beautiful smile, their benefits also extend to dental health. The reason for this is that crooked teeth are much more difficult to keep clean, and the small spaces that are created can create areas of dental decay that are detrimental to your dental health. Investing in orthodontic braces is an investment in your future dental health.
How Do Braces Work?
In general braces work by putting pressure on teeth to straighten them, by moving them into the correct position to be aligned. It is a gradual process that takes time to complete, and the length of time required depends on the individual and your needs.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces work through a system of wires and brackets. As the teeth do move into the correct position, the pressure needs to be maintained and so your dentist will make adjustments to the braces in order to achieve this.
You will need to see your dentist regularly to keep your braces well fitted.
You will also need to practice a high standard of dental care to ensure that you do not develop any cavities.
Traditional metal braces have been used successfully for many decades but they can be uncomfortable and cause irritation, especially when they have been adjusted.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have become very popular in recent years with older patients who do not want to have visible orthodontics on display when they smile and speak. They are made from a special type of plastic and resemble a mouthguard, in that they are slipped over the front of your teeth. They need to be taken out for eating and drinking because it is quite easy to stain the plastic, and cause changes in shape because of temperature variations in hot food and beverages.
While aligners can be removed for eating and drinking they still need to be worn for a minimum number of hours in a day, in order to move crooked teeth.
Unlike metal braces, clear aligners do not need to be adjusted. When your dentist supplies you with your aligners, you are given a few different sets of boxes, where each set marks a new position for your teeth to move into. Instead of adjustments, you will swap the aligners for a new box every second week.
With both orthodontic braces and aligners it is highly likely that you will need to wear a retainer for a few months post-treatment to keep your teeth in alignment.
Still have questions about how do braces work? It’s time to speak to a professional. Please contact us: (02) 9181 3668.
