Although you may associate braces with teenagers, orthodontic treatments can be used to treat dental problems for people of all ages. Orthodontic treatments now include functional, fixed and removable appliances which can be used in different ways to cure a variety of issues from over-crowding, mis-aligned teeth or tooth pressure.
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is used to improve the appearance of your teeth and help the way they work. It involves straightening and moving teeth into different positions for either aesthetic reasons such as an improved smile or for health reasons such as to spread your biting pressure. Moving your teeth into a straighter position will not only help your confidence but it will also make cleaning your teeth a lot easier.
Why would you consider orthodontic treatment?
You may consider an orthodontic procedure for a number of reasons including treatment of naturally crooked or crowded teeth. Orthodontic treatments can also be used simply to straighten and move the teeth into a more aesthetic position without using invasive techniques.
You may also undergo orthodontic treatment if you suffer from an over- or under-bite which can put pressure on your jaw muscles and can cause headaches. Undergoing orthodontic treatment will help to realign your jaw, relieving the pressure in your muscles.
What are the orthodontic solutions available?
The advancements in orthodontic procedures have developed new techniques to allow quicker and more comfortable treatment plans for adolescents and adults. This range of possible orthodontic solutions means you can pick the treatment that will best suit your lifestyle. Some of these are described below.
Removable brace
A removable brace is a plate with delicate wires and springs that put gentle pressure on the teeth to move them. The plate can be taken out to be cleaned and you can floss and brush your teeth. A removable brace is usually only worn on your upper teeth and you will be required to visit your dentist every six weeks to have the brace tightened.
Fixed appliance
Sometimes you teeth will need to be more accurately guided into position and will require a fixed appliance to ensure this happens. This brace usually has brackets attached to the teeth with a flexible wire joining them together to move the teeth. These brackets can be white to blend in with your teeth. This type of orthodontic treatment can be a more cost-effective solution however is it not as discrete.
Invisible braces
Invisible braces are a popular method for adults looking to straighten their teeth as they are virtually unnoticeable. Invisible braces are clear, plastic ‘aligners’ which are moulded to fit your smile. During your treatment you will receive a new set of specially moulded aligners which are worn for 22-23 hours per day although can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing and cleaning.
Straighten your teeth with the Number 18 Dental team in W11
For more information or to discuss the range of orthodontic treatments available to you, please feel free to contact the Number 18 Dental team. Our dental practice is located in Notting Hill and we have experience in a range of cosmetic dental treatments that help our clients get the most from their smile.
