Why You Should Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Orthodontics are like eyeglasses: they may not be fun to wear but if you need them, you just can’t live without them. And many adults may have crooked teeth because they either avoided orthodontic treatment or because they didn’t wear their retainer after they completed their orthodontic treatment.
And sure, they survived adolescence, so why bother to straighten your teeth now, after all these years? Well, even if you have come to terms with the fact that your teeth aren’t perfectly straight, wearing orthodontics is an investment in your future medical and dental health. You see, crooked teeth are very difficult to keep clean because you can’t get your toothbrush head or dental floss into the awkward spaces they create, and the long term result is unnecessary tooth decay, which could ultimately lead to tooth loss.
International brands like Invisalign have made it really easy too and you don’t have to resort to metal braces for a straighter smile. In fact, clear braces and aligners have been purpose-created for people who just don’t want to wear a full face of metal braces for a year or two so there is really no reason not to.
How Do Clear Braces Work?
Clear aligners are fitted over the front of your teeth and are made from a special type of plastic. They are not completely invisible but they are more difficult to notice, especially from a distance.
They apply force to your teeth, to shift them into the correct position over time. And rather than having a system of wires and brackets from metal braces adjusted every so often by your dentist, clear aligners are replaced every second week, when your teeth need to be moved into the next position.
When you visit your dentist he or she will take a 3D impression of your jaw and teeth, and the full series of clear braces will be created, with each set mapping out the next position that your teeth should shift into as they straighten.
How Can Clear Braces Straighten Crooked Teeth?
There is a perception that aligners can only correct mildly crooked teeth but this is not completely accurate. Clear braces can be used to treat
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Bite problems such as over-, under-, open- and cross-bites
The Importance Of Dedication To Your Treatment Plan
In order for clear aligners to work effectively and ensure that you meet the goals of your treatment plan, you must wear them for the minimum prescribed period of 22 hours per day. Even though it is possible to remove your aligners, you only should do this for eating and drinking, to ensure that you are wearing them for the right period of time everyday. Failure to stick to your treatment plan can interfere with your progress.
Dental Hygiene And Orthodontic Treatment
Because your teeth are in contact with braces all the time, it’s essential that you keep your mouth and orthodontic appliances clean. This means brushing your teeth every time you remove your clear braces, and cleaning them as directed by your dental practitioner, with the same diligence as if you had metal braces. Wearing aligners does require a certain level of maturity, in terms of caring for the orthodontics, and this treatment is best suited to patients who can manage them well.
The Benefits Of Clear Braces Vs Metal Braces
The benefits of clear braces vs metal braces are really profound, especially for adult patients who are committed to the outcomes of their treatment plan:
- Metal braces can’t be removed while clear aligners can
- Metal braces are uncomfortable and visible while clear aligners are discreet and more comfortable to wear
- Metal braces require regular visits to the dentist while clear aligners can simply be changed for a new set.
It’s never too late to begin an orthodontic treatment and improve your dental hygiene, even if you don’t want to wear metal braces. If you’d like to find out more about the benefits of clear braces vs metal braces or find out if you are a candidate for aligners, please contact our practice for a convenient appointment: (02) 8203 8760.
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