So you’re unhappy with how your teeth look. Either you never had the chance to get braces when you were younger, or your teeth were once straight and now they’re going crooked. Yes, it’s easier to have braces when you’re younger. Once you’re an adult, it’s a little bit harder to move your teeth, and you’re less tolerant of wearing metal braces. But they work just fine, and many adults are getting their teeth straightened. Consider a couple of options for you.
Options:
- There are a couple of types of invisible braces. The latest is a system called Invisalign®, which is a computerized system of tooth movement. With Invisalign®, a sophisticated computer takes models of your teeth and creates a series of clear plastic aligners. As you wear the series of aligners, changing the aligners every two weeks, they gradually move your teeth until they’re straight. These “invisible braces” are completely inconspicuous and thus are very popular with adults who want their teeth straightened.
- Another type that is called “invisible braces” is a type that is placed on the insides of the teeth. These are also called “lingual braces.” These lingual invisible braces have been around for years. They are very difficult for the orthodontist to place. Since the lower front teeth bite against the insides of the upper front teeth, these lingual invisible brackets are subject to this biting force and can be broken off. They are also very irritating to the tongue. But for people who need conventional wire and bracket braces and who have to look good, they are a great alternative.
- Porcelain veneers are another option for crooked teeth.
Adult tooth drifting. Some people have the unsettling experience of having their teeth go crooked once they’re an adult. Here’s some information about adult tooth movement and what you can do about it.
This content was written by Dr. David Hall. Click here to ask Dr. Hall a question.