Even as an adult, you’re not too late if you want to have perfectly straight teeth! We understand of course that everybody can have concerns about orthodontics. Isn’t it more painful at this age? What will it look like on me? Isn’t it embarrassing for an adult to wear braces?
Adult orthodontic therapy today is a common, gentle dental procedure utilizing a wide range of tools and equipment which help us align teeth into the right position.
APPLIANCES USED IN ADULT ORTHODONTIC THERAPY
Many adults still have an impression of old, painful and lengthy orthodontic therapies involving fully metal contraptions. This has changed completely through the years!
In the case of adults (since the jaws have stopped growing, and they only have permanent teeth) we usually use fixed, i.e. “bonded” appliances, although removable and even invisible appliances – utilizing state-of-the-art technology – also exist.
A MODERN REMOVABLE APPLIANCE – INVISALIGN INVISIBLE BRACES
Many people are afraid of the aesthetic issues connected to wearing orthodontics at an adult age. But things have changed completely! Our clinic now offers the world’s most advanced orthodontics system: invisible braces.
Invisible orthodontics uses a series of clear plastic aligners which fit exactly over your teeth, prefabricated using special 3D printing technology.
Invisalign aligners (braces) allow us to control the adjustment of teeth with exceptional precision, comfort and predictability.
Each one of the aligners is printed individually using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, which makes it possible to move the teeth gently and efficiently.
Every new aligner has very small modifications compared to the previous one. These subtle changes force your teeth to move in the proper direction, to the right position. The aligners have to be worn approx. 20-22 hours a day – that is, all day long, except for meals and the time of brushing. The appliance feels comfortable from the first moment; it is painless and provides a highly aesthetic appearance, since the clear plastic makes it virtually invisible to others.
The “Clin Check” technology allows us to digitally map out the entire Invisalign orthodontics process beforehand. This way, you can see the results you can expect before treatment even begins.
This also makes it easier to plan the financial aspects beforehand.
The number of aligners needed depends on the degree of the irregularity. With the Invisalign technology, we can solve any kind of malocclusions; they can fully replace the use of fixed appliances.
FIXED BRACES
Fixed (also known as bonded or permanent) appliances include different types made of metal, ceramics (porcelain), but there’s also appliances which are fixed onto the inner surfaces of teeth.
The bonded appliances used in fixed orthodontic treatments (for example, fixed braces) can be made of metal, a traditional and cheaper solution, which is better for oral hygiene, as it is easier to clean, and food residues are less likely to stick to it. Some metal braces are self-ligating, which shortens the time period required for the therapy. If an aesthetic solution is important, you can choose ceramic braces in the same color as the teeth, or braces which are mounted on the inner side of the teeth, facing the tongue.
After the start of treatment, you will regularly need to visit your dentist for reactivations – depending on the type, this can vary between every 2-12 weeks. Treatment by fixed orthodontic appliances usually take 2-2.5 years. The therapy doesn’t end after the bonded appliance is removed: an appliance called a retainer has to be worn until the teeth have solidly set in their new position. This appliance can be removable (nightly retainer) or fixed (bonded).
During orthodontic treatment, the patient and their dentist need to stay in close cooperation to achieve the best possible result with the fewest possible side effects.
Oral hygiene should be a priority throughout the treatment. In addition to brushing three times a day, patients also need to use a special toothbrush, interdental brushes and dental floss. This has to be complemented with occasional oral hygiene treatments at the clinic.
THE APPLIANCES AVAILABLE AT OUR DENTAL PRACTICE ALL AIM TO MEET THE HIGHEST AESTHETIC STANDARDS.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? CONTACT US!
Book an appointment
RATE OUR SITE