If improving your smile is on your Christmas wish list or straightening your teeth is one of your New Year’s resolutions, now is the perfect time to investigate your options when it comes to adult braces.
With more and more adults seizing the opportunity to embrace the perfect smile, there are a number of treatment options available that are efficient, effective and often more discrete than many people realise.
Here’s an insight into adult braces, and why straightening your teeth is about more than just aesthetics.
Why adults need braces
Orthodontic treatment and braces are often associated with teenagers, but the truth is it’s never too late to improve your smile.
For some adults the decision to seek treatment is prompted by the fact they never had braces earlier and feel self-conscious about their smile, but for others it’s a result of their teeth moving as they age.
Like the rest of our body, our bite and teeth change as we get older, meaning even teeth that had previously been straightened may shift and become crooked over time.
Meanwhile, even straight teeth can benefit from an orthodontic check-up, as an improper bite or incorrect jaw alignment can cause unnecessary wear and tear on teeth resulting in an increased likelihood of cavities, cracks, chips and even tooth loss.
If any of these factors apply to you, the good news is there are a range of orthodontic treatments that can assist.
Braces options
At Norwest orthodontics we offer a number of options for straightening teeth and correcting the bite, with two of our most popular treatments for adults being Invisalign clear aligners and the Damon Braces System. Both are ideal for adults, offering a discrete and effective method of creating a truly winning smile.
Invisalign
Invisalign involves using a series of custom-fitted clear, removable aligners that gradually shift the teeth into the desired position and correct any issues with the bite.
The system is highly popular with adults as the aligners are clear, barely noticeable and can be removed for special occasions if required. The aligners need to be worn for between 20 to 22 hours each day to achieve the desired result.
These are an ideal option for adults straightening their teeth in advance of a special occasion like a wedding, or for people who are concerned about the look of traditional braces.
Damon Braces
Considered the Rolls Royce of the braces’ world, the Damon Braces System differs from traditional braces because the braces are self-ligating.
That means, unlike traditional braces that involve the arch wire being ‘tied’ to the bracket, the brackets in Damon Braces feature a slide mechanism allowing custom-fitted, high-tech arch wires to move freely and straighten teeth.
The result is less friction and pressure than conventional braces where the tie method acts like a parking brake that can slow treatment down.
There are a wealth of benefits to using the Damon Braces System, including increased comfort, shorter treatment times and fewer adjustments.
On average, the Damon system takes an average of 7.2 months less time than those treated with conventional braces, while patients require almost 50 per cent fewer appointments than those treated with conventional braces.
Damon braces are also available with clear brackets to offer a more discrete treatment option.
The adult braces experience
One of the major benefits of seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult is that you are in the driver’s seat when it comes to the orthodontist and type of treatment you select.
Meanwhile, Orthodontics Australia notes maturity may work in your favour in terms of the treatment options that will suit.
“While the actual treatment options available are the same regardless of your age or size, some options may be unsuitable for younger patients due to budget or irresponsibility,” Orthodontics Australia reflects.
“For example, clear aligners such as Invisalign® are only recommended if the patient will diligently wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day or else the treatment may not be effective.
Most adults are pleasantly surprised at how simple orthodontic treatment is and the difference it makes to their smile in a short amount of time.
At Norwest Orthodontics we have a large number of adult patients who have taken the opportunity to achieve the smile they always dreamed of. To accommodate, we have extended opening hours, including Saturdays by appointment.
And the benefits of tending to an issue that may have bothered you for some time are endless.
The benefits
Many adults consider orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of their smile and embrace increased self-confidence, but the benefits of straight teeth and an aligned bite are far more extensive than just looks.
Straight teeth and a properly aligned bite:
- Are easier to keep clean, thereby reducing the likelihood of cavities, gum disease and extensive dental treatment in the future
- Reduce wear and tear on teeth by ensuring they meet at the right angle in the right place
- Can improve speech and even remedy breathing problems
- Can alleviate ongoing problems such as teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Can improve the overall shape and profile of the face
Is it for you?
It’s never too late to seek orthodontic treatment and attain the winning smile and confidence you deserve. At Norwest Orthodontics we offer an array of orthodontic treatments including adult braces, and we welcome the opportunity to talk with you about the options that will best suit your individual needs.
About Norwest Orthodontics
Norwest Orthodontics specialises in helping you achieve a great smile, no matter your age. We feature a range of orthodontic treatments that span from early intervention right through to remedial adult work.
We also have a suite of treatments available that include discrete, removeable Invisalign braces, and welcome the opportunity to work with you to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
You can learn more about our services, or contact us here to make an appointment here.
