Your smile is one of the first things someone notices about you. Studies have shown that the more a person smiles, the more confidence they exude. We all desire a beautiful and straight smile – but let’s face it, most people aren’t born with perfectly aligned teeth.
Depending on how much intervention is needed to straighten your smile, braces are typically a good option for those with uneven teeth. Orthodontics is often associated with children and early treatment can create the necessary space for permanent teeth. However, many adults undergo orthodontic treatment to realign their teeth in hopes of achieving a straighter smile. Since the basic process of tooth movement is universal in children and adults alike, orthodontic treatment can be started at any age.
In today’s society, aesthetics play a large role in overall confidence. Those with uneven teeth or a misaligned bite may feel insecure about their appearance. That being said, deciding to have your teeth straightened is not only just to improve appearance but to improve the overall function of the teeth and jaw muscles.
The best option to correct misalignment issues will depend on several different factors. Braces are the best-known orthodontic treatment to help straighten teeth and realign them to a corrected position. They are suitable for both minor and complex orthodontic issues including misalignment, underbite, overbite, and crossbite. There are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to braces such as traditional metal, clear, or aligners.
Traditional metal braces are brackets that are attached to the teeth with a metal archwire fixed to the brackets. Some people have brackets that clamp onto the archwire, while others will have ligatures, more commonly known as rubber bands, that connect the brackets and the wires. If you have an overbite or underbite that needs to be corrected, you may also be required to wear rubber bands that connect the bottom and top rows of your teeth.
Once the braces have been placed, they require adjustment to move the teeth into their optimal position. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to allow your orthodontist to monitor the treatment progress.
If you opt for clear braces, the appearance will be more discreet but not transparent. Instead, the brackets are made from a shade of ceramic that appropriately matches your teeth' colour. This helps the brackets blend seamlessly with your smile. The only noticeable aspect of the clear braces will be the thin, metal archwire that helps shift the teeth to the proper alignment.
Clear aligners seem to now be the most popular choice amongst orthodontic patients, especially for those who require adult orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are transparent, removable trays that are custom-made to fit your smile. Made of clear plastic material, they are lower profile than traditional braces and do not require metal brackets or wires. Clear aligners are changed every two weeks on average. The best part? Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them!
Similar to traditional braces, clear aligners do require some work. Orthodontic treatment using clear aligners is faster than treatment using conventional braces if you follow the treatment plan properly. Adjustment appointments are still necessary and scheduled based on your orthodontist’s recommendation. Since patient compliance is essential to the success of the treatment, patients are required to be regimented and disciplined about wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours a day to effectively complete the treatment plan and not compromise the results.
Though braces may be discouraging, it’s important to remember the reward of a lifetime at the end of your orthodontic journey – a smile that you’re proud to show off.