You don’t have to be born with perfect genes to have a straight, beautiful smile. For many people, issues like overcrowding, growing new adult teeth, shifting over time, and even jaw injuries can cause crooked teeth.
If you’re one of the many people who want to straighten their smile, there are plenty of options available, no matter what age you are.
Let’s explore some orthodontic myths and learn the facts about getting the smile you’ve always wanted.
Orthodontic Myths
- Only teenagers wear braces or retainers.
- Orthodontics only work on younger people.
- Metal braces are the only effective way to straighten your teeth.
Not only are these un-true, but there are plenty of orthodontic options that prove them wrong.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontics has come a long way in recent years. New technological advancements such as accelerated orthodontics and research has shown that there are several ways to efficiently straighten the teeth, at any age.
Some of the most common types of orthodontics include:
Metal Braces
These are the most traditional type of braces and are typically the first thing that comes to mind when you think of orthodontics. These braces are very effective at straightening the teeth, but they are also highly visible.
For older adults who wish to straighten their teeth, the appearance of metal braces can be a major deterrent. Fortunately, there are other options for those who want to correct crooked teeth more subtly.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are a less visible option than metal braces due to their clear or white bracket color, but they still sit on the exterior of the teeth and are connected with a wire.
Invisalign
The Invisalign system works by using a set of clear, removable trays that are replaced regularly to adjust the teeth. They are not available for young children and they are more expensive than metal braces. However, if you want to straighten your teeth discreetly, Invisalign provides all of the benefits of orthodontics while being virtually invisible.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar in appearance to metal braces, but they sit behind the teeth rather than on the outside surface. This placement makes them less visible, but they aren’t an effective option for everyone.
Retainers
There are two types of retainers: fixed and removable, and they are typically used for post-orthodontic maintenance. The teeth can continue to shift over time and using a retainer can make sure that your newly straightened teeth stay in place.
Many people wear a removable retainer at night, making this a great option for the privacy of home. Fixed retainers are small wires that are glued to the back surface of the teeth and they are mostly undetectable to the outside eye.
Who Can Use Orthodontic Treatments?
It’s easy to see that with the number of types of orthodontics available today, there is something for everyone, regardless of your age. Older adults who want to straighten their teeth don’t need to feel self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces when there are other, more subtle types of orthodontics available.
Consult with your orthodontist to determine the best type of treatment for your particular case. They will help you find a method for straightening your teeth that will be most the effective and most the comfortable for patients of any age.
