From a young age, we are told that proper teeth alignment is a sign of good dental and personal hygiene. Having straight teeth can help young people and adults alike develop a more positive self-image as well as build up their self-confidence and encourage them to smile more often. It is the job of a dentist who is trained to help straighten teeth for adults and make them realize it is never too late to have straighter teeth and a beautiful smile.
Luckily, there are quite a few different adult teeth straightening treatment options that do not involve wearing metal braces. We discuss the most popular options below,
Invisalign
Invisalign is the perfect option for adults who are looking to discretely straighten their teeth without metal braces. Many adults are embarrassed that they need to have their teeth straightened later in life, and Invisalign can help alleviate some of that embarrassment.
Invisalign is a clear plastic mould that sits right on top of your teeth. No one will know you are wearing the moulds unless they are standing close to your face. The one downfall is that you do need to remove the aligners before eating and brushing your teeth, and they do need to be replaced about once every two weeks. Other than that, they provide an excellent alternative to bulky metal braces.
Incognito Hidden Braces
Incognito hidden braces, also known as lingual braces, are a discrete alternative to metal braces. As the name suggests, these braces are hidden behind the teeth for maximum stealth.
The best thing about them, other than the fact that they are completely hidden behind your teeth, is that they are 100% customizable based on whatever orthodontic issues you may have, making them an especially viable form of improper teeth alignment treatment. They may cause a little discomfort in the beginning due to their close proximity to your tongue but once you get used to them they’re like any other part of your mouth.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic Braces are the direct counterpart of the traditional and much-loathed metal braces. The main difference is that the brackets are either clear or they are the same colour as your teeth. Some people even choose to use clear wires for that extra camouflage effect.
The major downfall with this teeth straightening treatment is that you have to be very careful with what you eat and drink so as not to stain the brackets. So, say goodbye to that morning cup of joe unless you want little yellow floating squares on your teeth!
Cosmetic Dentistry Options: Porcelain Veneers or Dental Bonding
It is recommended that cosmetic dentistry should be considered with extreme caution as it is a more permanent and invasive form of improper teeth alignment treatment and teeth straightening treatment than all of the above mentioned choices. Porcelain veneers and dental bonding are perhaps the most well-known forms of cosmetic dentistry.
Porcelain veneers are very thin, small pieces of porcelain that are stuck directly onto the front of your teeth. They are very solid and help prevent staining and diminish the appearance of improper teeth alignment. However, some dentists might advise against this form of teeth straightening for adults because it involves having to scrape off some of the surface enamel from teeth, which is a procedure that cannot be reversed.
Dental bonding, on the other hand, is mainly used for filling in small gaps between teeth and reshaping teeth that might be damaged or cracked. It is a common fix for minimal teeth-related issues
Why Do Adults Choose Teeth Straightening?
There are many reasons why an adult might choose teeth straightening options, including:
- Improved Aesthetics and Confidence: Teeth straightening treatment can improve the look of your smile, increasing your self-confidence, self-image, and pride.
- Functional Benefits: Misaligned and crooked teeth can make it difficult to maintain good oral care. Straightening your teeth can make it easier to clean them, lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Health Considerations: Straightening your teeth lowers the risk of inflammation and infection due to improper oral care. This can lead to serious health conditions like dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease.
- Psychological Reasons: Crooked teeth or wide gaps can lower your self-esteem and cause you to feel embarrassed when smiling, talking, or eating.
What are the Pros and Cons of Teeth Straightening in Adults
Pros of Straightening in Adults
Choosing teeth straightening treatments as an adult offers a variety of benefits. One of the most common pros of straightening your teeth as an adult is the self-confidence it provides. Having straight teeth makes cleaning and caring for the teeth and gums easier and more efficient. As a result, this can help prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease and can lower the costs associated with dental visits, saving you money and time in the future.
Cons of Straightening in Adults
The cons of straightening your teeth as an adult cannot go unnoticed as many are the prime reasons people refrain from treatment throughout their lives.
As the facial structure has matured at the adult stage, moving the teeth can take longer, prolonging the treatment period and associated costs. Many adults do not have adequate dental insurance to cover the costs.
Straightening the teeth via braces requires additional oral care and maintenance, including frequent dental or orthodontic visits. In addition to the increased oral care, professional visits can interfere with life obligations such as work, school or social interactions.
Most Common FAQs About Teeth Straightening in Adults
Is it worth straightening your teeth as an adult?
Yes, the associated costs and length of treatment for straightening adult teeth are worth the effort to improve your oral health and overall health.
What is the best teeth straightening method for adults?
It depends on the extent of the teeth straightening needed. In most cases, any of the ‘invisible’ treatment, are chosen for their ability to be discrete.
How do you care for your teeth during adult teeth straightening?
Traditional braces require special care and maintenance, especially after eating. Modern braces such as Invisalign are removed before eating and brushing, allowing easier cleaning of the teeth.
What are the different types of adult braces available?
The four main types of braces are traditional metal braces, Invisalign, incognito hidden braces, and ceramic braces.
Which teeth are the hardest to straighten?
Due to the size and location, lateral incisors, molars, and premolars tend to be the hardest teeth to straighten.
Is adult teeth straightening covered by insurance?
Many dental plans offer partial coverage for particular orthodontic treatments such as braces. Check with your personal insurance company for detailed coverage to lower your expenses.
What can you expect after an adult teeth straightening treatment?
Adults should follow a regular oral hygiene routine with the added use of a fluoride oral rinse and professional whitening services.
Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes, once the braces are removed, a customized retainer is needed to help support the teeth and prevent them from shifting back to original position.
What is the timeline for adult braces?
The longer you wait for teeth straightening treatment, the longer it will take to get the desired results. Adult braces of any form can require regular wear and care from one to three years.
How can I afford teeth straightening as an adult?
As one of the most common FAQs about teeth straightening, associated costs with treatment depend on the dentist/orthodontist chosen. Most professionals will offer a payment plan for costs not covered by dental insurance.
Call Princeview Dental Clinic to Schedule Your Consultation for Teeth Straightening!
Princeview Dental has been a fixture of the Kingsway area in Etobicoke for over 20 years, where we’ve provided dedicated family care in a professional, welcoming, and modern environment. We are a premium dental office that offers some of the above teeth straightening treatments and more! For more information, please call us today at (416) 231-4562. Located at, 3052 Bloor Street West in Etobicoke, just west of Royal York Rd., under the Crooked Cue Pub and Restaurant.
