Orthodontics for Adults

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore.  In fact, we have a lot of adult patients opting to have the crooked teeth which had always bothered them to be corrected .  Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. 

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.

If you are concerned about how braces may look, there are aesthetic options for which are less obvious and sometimes almost invisible. These options include ceramic (white coloured) braces or Invisalign clear aligners.

It would be best to talk to one of our team to see what option would be best for you.

Why do some adults need orthodontic treatment?

There are a number of reasons why an adult might have crooked teeth or a bad bite and choose to have orthodontic treatment. Genetics is one of the causes of common orthodontic problems such as underbites and overbites. Prolonged habits during childhood, such as biting your lips or sucking your thumb can cause the front teeth to become misaligned.

It’s also natural for our teeth to shift position as we age, when we lose or wear down our teeth, or if gum problems develop. Sometimes that means people who have had orthodontic treatment as a child and haven’t worn their retainers as instructed may require further orthodontic treatment as an adult.

Who is orthodontic treatment suitable for?

Orthodontic treatment is an option for most adults with crooked teeth or uneven bites, just as it is for children and teenagers.

Some of the most common situations where orthodontic treatment might be considered in adults are:

• Crowded, crooked or misplaced teeth

• Protruding teeth (overbites)

• Underbites

• Deep bites

• Jaw and/or facial asymmetry

• Excessive spacing between the teeth

• Realignment of the teeth prior to the placement of veneers, crowns, implants or even dentures

What orthodontic treatments are suitable for adults?

For some adults, the thought of having traditional metal braces is unappealing. Some people are concerned that wearing braces might have unwanted impacts, for example by making them more self-conscious at work or impacting on their social lives.

Thanks to modern technology however, orthodontic treatment is a viable option for almost any adult, with a much wider range of discreet options.  There are plenty of suitable treatment options which can fit comfortably with your lifestyle.

1. Clear aligners (Invisalign®)

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, are one of the most popular options for adults looking to undergo orthodontic treatment.

They are transparent pieces of custom-moulded plastic that sit over the teeth and gradually shift them. Often hailed as ‘invisible braces’ because of their subtlety, they are also a removable appliance. While you usually need to wear clear aligners for 20-22 hours a day, you’re able to take them out to eat, drink and clean the aligners.

Clear aligners can be an effective, simple and comfortable form of treatment. However, they’re only suitable for people who are disciplined enough to follow instructions on how to wear and care for their clear aligners.

At The Dental Practice both Dr Steven Wong and Dr Darrell Tse are accredited Invisalign providers.

2. Clear Braces

Braces have changed a lot over the years! Gone are the days where the only option was chunky metal braces. Modern tooth coloured or clear ceramic braces are a lot subtler, and advances in orthodontic technology mean that the adult braces are now significantly smaller and more comfortable than they were in the past.

While newer technologies such as clear aligners have given patients more choice about the type of treatment they undergo, braces remain one of the best ways to achieve dramatic results over a short amount of time.

Straight teeth are healthy teeth

In addition to enhancing the appearance of your smile, there are plenty of other reasons to undergo orthodontic treatment.

Patients often report psychological benefits when undergoing orthodontic treatment, often reporting a boost in their self-confidence. Furthermore, having a healthy, beautiful smile can give you assurance in your professional life as much as in your personal life, equipping you with the confidence you need for success.

In addition to psychological benefits, having straight teeth can make them function better and easier to clean, possibly reducing the chances of tooth decay and gum problems.

The best option is to have a free consultation with our us.  We will be able to assess your situation and discuss what treatment will be most appropriate for you.