Adults Like Straight Teeth, Too
Straight teeth are as important for adults as they are for teens, if not more so. In fact, depending on the orthodontic practice, one-quarter to one-half of patients are adults. In the increasingly competitive workplace, straight teeth convey higher self-confidence, a positive attitude, professionalism, and success. The importance of straight teeth in the workplace is also true for one's personal life. People with straight teeth report feeling higher levels of self-esteem and attractiveness. And best of all, straight teeth with appropriate spacing improves oral health, as teeth are easier to clean than those that fit too snugly together. As a result, adults who opt for straighter teeth generally preserve their teeth throughout their lifetime.
Unlike braces of earlier times, the alternatives to straighten teeth today vary enough to match your specific needs and your budget. While metal braces still exist, other options include ceramic braces, and the Invisalign system, which uses a series of aligners to straighten teeth. This article will review these options for orthodontic teeth straightening for adults.
1. Classic Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most affordable means of having your teeth straightened. Unlike metal braces of the past, modern braces use smaller brackets, are more lightweight and have more sophisticated wiring and bonding mechanisms. Metal braces require 12 months or more to complete their work.
2. Ceramic Braces
The beauty of ceramic braces is that they are made of clear materials so they do not stand out like metal braces. Adults often chose this option because they are not as visible, particularly for larger upper front teeth. Ceramic braces are a little more fragile than metal braces and maintaining oral hygiene is a little more challenging. Because of their higher maintenance needs, ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces.
3. Invisalign Invisable Aligners
Invisalign aligners mark a huge shift in the approach to teeth straightening. The Invisalign system includes a series of clear aligners that you wear over your teeth to gradually move them to the correct position over time. A new set of adjusters are required every few weeks or so. Because they are clear, they are mostly invisible so most people will not even notice them. Also, Invisalign aligners are removable so cleaning your teeth is easy and you take them out for eating. Otherwise, you wear the aligners roughly 22 hours per day. The total length of time you will need the aligners depends on the degree to which your teeth need straightening.
Modern orthodontic practices use a high tech scanner that takes a 3D image of teeth, making sure that Invisalign aligners fit teeth accurately and move them to the desired location. With scanners, there is no longer a need to use gooey, uncomfortable molds to create impressions of your teeth! The invisalign method is the most expensive option for straight teeth but most patients consider the benefits well worth the price.
If crooked teeth have bothered you all your life, it is never too late to get them straightened. Not only will you improve your smile, others will perceive other positive changes in your demeanor as well when you smile with more confidence. But hey, it's not all about looks, straight teeth are easier to clean thoroughly which promotes improved overall oral hygiene. That means you are less likely to experience cavities and that you will enjoy your teeth throughout your lifetime.
Unlike braces of earlier times, the alternatives to straighten teeth today vary enough to match your specific needs and your budget. While metal braces still exist, other options include ceramic braces, and the Invisalign system, which uses a series of aligners to straighten teeth. This article will review these options for orthodontic teeth straightening for adults.
1. Classic Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most affordable means of having your teeth straightened. Unlike metal braces of the past, modern braces use smaller brackets, are more lightweight and have more sophisticated wiring and bonding mechanisms. Metal braces require 12 months or more to complete their work.
2. Ceramic Braces
The beauty of ceramic braces is that they are made of clear materials so they do not stand out like metal braces. Adults often chose this option because they are not as visible, particularly for larger upper front teeth. Ceramic braces are a little more fragile than metal braces and maintaining oral hygiene is a little more challenging. Because of their higher maintenance needs, ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces.
3. Invisalign Invisable Aligners
Invisalign aligners mark a huge shift in the approach to teeth straightening. The Invisalign system includes a series of clear aligners that you wear over your teeth to gradually move them to the correct position over time. A new set of adjusters are required every few weeks or so. Because they are clear, they are mostly invisible so most people will not even notice them. Also, Invisalign aligners are removable so cleaning your teeth is easy and you take them out for eating. Otherwise, you wear the aligners roughly 22 hours per day. The total length of time you will need the aligners depends on the degree to which your teeth need straightening.
Modern orthodontic practices use a high tech scanner that takes a 3D image of teeth, making sure that Invisalign aligners fit teeth accurately and move them to the desired location. With scanners, there is no longer a need to use gooey, uncomfortable molds to create impressions of your teeth! The invisalign method is the most expensive option for straight teeth but most patients consider the benefits well worth the price.
If crooked teeth have bothered you all your life, it is never too late to get them straightened. Not only will you improve your smile, others will perceive other positive changes in your demeanor as well when you smile with more confidence. But hey, it's not all about looks, straight teeth are easier to clean thoroughly which promotes improved overall oral hygiene. That means you are less likely to experience cavities and that you will enjoy your teeth throughout your lifetime.
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