3 discreet orthodontic treatments for adults

Are you confident about your smile?

Perhaps you’re shy about flashing a broad grin or embarrassed about showing your less than straight teeth in public? If you’re an adult who missed out on orthodontic treatment as a teenager, it’s not too late.

Straightening teeth is about much more than mere aesthetics.

Poorly aligned teeth can affect their longevity as well as your overall oral health, being harder to keep clean and more likely to develop cavities, fractures and uneven wear.

Luckily, orthodontic technology and dental treatment options have come on in leaps and bounds over the last 15 years or so.

It is now possible to correct misaligned teeth, close gaps and much more in a way that doesn’t involve unattractive looking and uncomfortable ‘train track’ type traditional braces.

Whereas orthodontic treatment used to be chiefly given to children and young adults, orthodontists today see about 50/50 children and adults – so you’re not alone.

You may have never had braces when you were younger or perhaps you undid all the good work by not wearing your retainers at the end of your treatment period.

Your teeth may have shifted over the years or maybe you’re now simply more conscious of your appearance.

Or there may be a medical reason why you’re now looking to have your teeth properly aligned.

Whatever your reasons are, you can now choose some excellent, adult friendly ways to straighten your teeth.

These are the 3 main treatment options.

1. Aligners

Invisalign, the market leading product, straightens teeth by using removable and almost invisible aligners that are made specifically for your teeth.

Each aligner is replaced every 2 weeks to gently, gradually and progressively move your teeth towards the final desired position.

Unlike traditional fixed braces, Invisalign aligners have no wires or metal brackets. Instead, they control the timing and amount of movement per aligner according to your individual treatment plan.

The aligners are designed to treat a host of different minor and more complex straightening issues.

The treatment is ideal for adult patients who don’t want to draw attention to the fact that they’re having orthodontic work done.

Invisalign aligners are comfortable to wear, not very noticeable and can be removed for special occasion or while you’re eating.

The average treatment time is 14 months to achieve the desired result, though the exact time depends on the complexity of the situation and can range from 6 to 18 months overall.

2. Six Months Smiles

Straight teeth in only 6 months? Yes, it can be done.

Clear braces from Six Months Smiles is a revolutionary treatment that repositions your teeth quickly and safely using the latest in dental techniques and technology.

Six Months Smiles uses clear or tooth coloured braces that are barely visible, even close up.

With the aid of special nickel titanium wires that move those teeth that show when you smile, the treatment focuses on cosmetic appearance rather than the position of your bite.

Unless you’re looking for a major adjustment to your bite, this innovative teeth straightening treatment could be just the thing to give you a dazzling smile.

Most importantly, Six Months Smiles uses low force so that your teeth can be moved comfortably.

At the end of the treatment, you will be asked to wear a retainer to maintain the new position of your teeth.

3. Lingual braces

You may find that traditional fixed braces may be the best option for you particular orthodontic issue including gaps, crowding, rotated teeth and ‘bad bites.

If you opt for lingual braces, however, your appearance won’t be affected since these braces are fitted to the back of your teeth.

They work in the same way as standard braces, applying gentle yet continuous pressure to your teeth to help them progressively move into their proper position – but without the Ugly Betty effect.

Lingual braces are more expensive than other orthodontic treatment options and they can be uncomfortable at first, with brackets and wires up close against your tongue.

But if you’re serious about restoring your dazzling smile, they can be a great cosmetic alternative.

It goes without saying that you should discuss your particular orthodontic needs with a reputable and qualified orthodontist.

Together, you can devise an effective treatment plan that is suitable in terms of timescale and budget – giving you the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer in the health industry. For the information in this post, South West England’s Black Swan Dental Spa were consulted.

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