Adults
Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
- Why wear braces when I can have crowns, bridges, veneers etc?
- Age worries? There are no age limits!
- NHS or Private
- Which type of brace can I have? I am worried about the way they look!
The benefit of having a nice smile is obvious. It can enhance confidence and self-esteem. It also affects other peoples perception towards you. This can have direct benefits to you personal life and career.
Like many other lifestyle decisions, having straight teeth is also your choice. Orthodontic treatment is very popular among adults looking for either a cosmetic or functional improvement in their teeth. We not only expect our teeth to last a lifetime but also look nice for the rest of our lives.
Why wear braces when I can have crowns, bridges, veneers etc.?
In the past it was fashionable to have a mouth full of crowns or veneers to transform your smile. This causes irreversible damage to the tooth and subjects the patient to a lifetime of very expensive dental re-treatment when these crowns and veneers fail. Dentists are now reluctant to cut healthy teeth for cosmetic reasons because each episode of treatment damages the teeth further, reducing its life. As we are all living longer, we expect to keep our teeth for longer.
Braces straighten teeth without cutting the enamel and causing irreversible damage to the tooth structure. The benefit of preserving the health of the teeth far outweighs the longer timescale involved to achieve a cosmetic result. Many forward thinking dentists are advising orthodontic treatment over multiple crowns and veneers for that reason.
More adults are choosing to wear braces later on in life. Whether you missed the opportunity in your younger days or were never given the option, it may still be possible to have treatment. Your teeth may have gradually moved over the years and it may be concerning you now. Some request re-treatment because teeth have moved since having orthodontic treatment in their teenage.
Age worries? There are no age limits!
Teeth can be moved at any age so it is never too late to consider orthodontic treatment if you would like a nice smile. We see adults of all age groups, from late teens to those in their 60’s.
Adults generally do not qualify for NHS treatment unless their problem is very complicated and likely to require treatment in a hospital setting. This often involves a combination of braces and jaw surgery. Private treatment can offer a larger choice of options and appointment times. It can be made affordable with monthly payments. A smile can last a lifetime and give you pleasure everyday, unlike an expensive holiday!!
Which type of brace can I have?
It is no longer unusual to see adults wearing braces. People from all walks of life have orthodontic treatment; from celebrities to mums choosing to stay at home, and those in high powered careers. There are many modern braces available which are very discrete. I can discuss which one may be most suitable for you.