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Teeth Straightening Options for Adults

The advancement of technology has had a huge effect on many industries over the last decade. In particular, orthodontics has benefitted greatly from the use of digital scans and 3D imaging. Braces and metal headgear are no longer the only treatment available to resolve orthodontic issues for patients. Today, there are a range of teeth straightening options available at differing prices and visibility to people around them. In addition to this, treatment times are significantly reduced along with a reduction in discomfort commonly associated with orthodontic treatment.

While teenagers are the largest demographic to receive orthodontic treatment, a record number of adults are taking advantage of technological advancements in this field and deciding to seek treatment. Not only are they choosing to enhance their smile, but repairing their underlying orthodontic condition will have a positive effect on theiroverall health in the coming years. For example, patients who have crowded teeth are generally more prone to plague accumulation and tooth decay, and those with misaligned jaws have a considerable risk of developing TMJ.

Some of the most common orthodontic issues that individuals have to deal with involve:

Gapped teeth–typically resulting from abnormal jaw growth

Crowded teeth - when there’s not enough room within the mouth to fit all the teeth

Open bite - the teeth of the lower jaw don't make contact with the teeth of the upper jaw

Overbite - the lower teeth bite into the tissue of the upper jaw

Underbite - the lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw

Crossbite - the lower and upper jaws are misaligned

The complications of each of these conditions differ extensively and generally determines the type of orthodontic treatment which produces the best outcomes.

Types of orthodontic treatment for adults

The following lists the most common types of teeth straightening options available for adults today.

Traditional Metal Braces

One of the most well-known and reliable teeth straightening options, traditional metal braces are typically used to handle moderate to severe orthodontic problems. Stainless steel brackets are fixed to the front of patients' teeth and metal wires are used to connect the brackets together. Although metal braces are the most visible orthodontic treatment and causes a degree of discomfort, they are the most affordable approach to teeth straightening. Traditional braces are also offered in ceramic (less apparent to others), however those that are mindful about their self-image normally select a more discrete teeth straightening option.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are totally hidden from others as they are affixed behind the patients' teeth. Custom-made brackets and wires are fixed to the back of each tooth, and they can be somewhat awkward and require an extended transition period. Patients also find that they may talk with a lisp at the outset of treatment, and they're unable to eat crunchy foods like carrots. Moreover, it's common for patients' tongues to rub against the brackets which can cause irritability, so it's highly recommended to use dental wax on the brackets to reduce this discomfort. Lingual braces are ultimately a trade-off between comfort and visibility to others and are more expensive than traditional metal braces.

Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign aligners are clear, removable aligners that are manufactured from plastic and resemble a very thin mouthguard. Being practically invisible to others, Invisalign is a preferred solution for adults requiring orthodontic treatment, however they are not suited for severe orthodontic problems. As opposed to tightening metal braces, these aligners are upgraded every 2 to 4 weeks to obtain the same effect. Invisalign has low maintenance and minor discomfort, however patients are expected to wear their aligners for a minimum of 22 hours every day. Thanks to the innovative technology used to build these custom-made aligners, Invisalign is normally the most expensive treatment alternative.

Which teeth straightening option is best for you?

Finding out which treatment option if best for you really comes down to your personal tastes, your budget, and the complexity of your orthodontic issues. Although there are treatment solutions that are almost invisible to others, they aren't practical for severe orthodontic problems so you'll need to speak with your orthodontist to figure out what approach is best suited for your condition. Clear Smile Orthodontics on the Gold Coast offer all new patients a free consultation, so if you're interested in straightening your teeth, phone their staff on 07 5593 3733.

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How to Maintain Your Post-Invisalign Smile

Today’s orthodontic treatments are vastly different from what I remember as a teenager. While my teeth weren’t awfully bad, I did need to have braces for about a year which is never easy for a high school kid. Today, many teenagers with orthodontic issues can have Invisalign treatment, which uses clear aligners (resembling a very thin mouthguard) to move their teeth into the ideal position. In fact, using a small device called ‘AcceleDent’ in conjunction with Invisalign or braces can reduce treatment times by up to 50%.

The best aspect about Invisalign is that the aligners are virtually invisible to those around you. While I’m sure everyone would be relieved when their orthodontic treatment has finished, there’s still plenty of work to be done to ensure your teeth remain healthy in their new position. To make the most of your Invisalign treatment, it’s integral that you wear a retainer once treatment has finished so your teeth don’t relapse into their old position. To shed some insight into the whole bone remodelling process, today we’re going to take a closer look at these retainers and why they’re so important in keeping your teeth and smile in shape for years to come.

Why do I have to wear a retainer?

The bone remodelling process is activated when you begin wearing your Invisalign aligners, whereby force is applied to your teeth, bones, and surrounding tissues to move your teeth into the ideal position. After treatment has finished, your teeth, bones, and surrounding tissues are still in the remodelling stage, and if not stabilised appropriately with a retainer, can easily relapse into their old position rather quickly. We all know that any type of orthodontic treatment isn’t cheap, so it’s paramount that you make the most of your investment by wearing your retainer as directed by your orthodontist.

How frequently will I have to wear my retainer?

After your Invisalign treatment has ended, almost all patients will be required to wear their retainer at all times until their bones and surrounding tissue have been stabilised. This typically takes around a year, but your orthodontist will intermittently examine the condition of your teeth to ascertain if you can reduce this frequency. In many cases, patients are only required to wear their retainers during the night or for a few hours each day once most of their bones and tissues have been stabilised. It is very important to bear in mind that adult teeth continue to shift their position regardless of whether they've had orthodontic treatment, so the longer you wear your retainer, the longer your teeth will stay in their ideal position.

What does a retainer look like?

Your retainer will look very similar to your Invisalign aligners in that they are clear and made from plastic. As with your aligners, your retainers will fit comfortably over your mouth and can be temporarily removed when needed. If you don't like the concept of wearing your retainer continuously, you can ask your orthodontist for a fixed retainer, which is basically a thin wire that is fixed to the inside surfaces of your teeth. The only downside with fixed containers is that they make flossing your teeth significantly more difficult.

How will my retainer affect my everyday life?

Having just finished your Invisalign treatment, you won’t notice much different in your lifestyle when you begin wearing your retainer. It will always need to be worn in the first year and only taken out when playing sports, eating, and flossing and brushing your teeth. When removing your container, it’s crucial that you keep it in a safe place and wash it thoroughly before using it again. This will ensure that your both your retainer and your oral hygiene continues to be in a healthy condition.

Keeping your smile radiant

When you've had Invisalign treatment, your retainer is designed to keep your teeth in the same position until your bones and surrounding tissues have stabilised. Remember that good oral hygiene is a continuous process that's required to ensure your teeth and gums remains healthy and you can smile with confidence for years to come. If you require any more information Invisalign or other orthodontic treatments, get in touch with the friendly team at Clear Smile Orthodontics by phoning 07 5593 3733.

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The Benefits of Using AcceleDent in Orthodontic Treatment

Recently, I took my son to the orthodontist to evaluate his treatment options since he has several crooked teeth and an overbite. I remember getting braces when I was a teenager so naturally I was feeling very empathetic in the car on the way to there. I was completely gobsmacked when the orthodontist explained all the new treatment options and innovative technology to reduce treatment times by almost half. How times have changed! Instead of needing braces, my son is being treated with Invisalign which uses clear aligners to move teeth into the desired position. Clearly, he was ecstatic!

Along with this new treatment, my son was also offered AcceleDent, which is a small device used for 20 minutes each day that accelerates the teeth movement process by up to 50%1. This technology was released in the United States in 2012 and has completely changed the Orthodontics industry. Being very interested in this technology, I decided to undertake some research and today I’m going to explore AcceleDent and the many benefits patients enjoy from using this technique.

What is AcceleDent?

AcceleDent is a small portable device which uses soft pulse technology and cyclic forces to accelerate the movement of teeth. Not only does this technique accelerate teeth movement but it also significantly reduces the pain and discomfort of the teeth movement process. Commonly used in conjunction with Invisalign or Insignia Braces, AcceleDent is a fantastic technology which has a range of benefits patients that ease the pain during this difficult period.

How does AcceleDent work?

Teeth are moved into their correct position through a process called 'bone remodelling'. When force is applied to teeth, a cellular response is initiated as bone cells convene around the root of the tooth and this triggers changes in the bone surrounding the tooth. This cellular process makes it possible for orthodontists to move teeth into the ideal position.

AcceleDent is a small portable mouthpiece which is connected to an activator that lightly delivers painless vibrations to the patients jawbone and to the roots of their teeth. It is these vibrations that boost the bone remodelling process and enable the teeth movement process to be facilitated in a faster, safer, and more effective way. Plus, you don't have to consult your orthodontist any more than normal, although you will need to change your aligners more regularly if you're using Invisalign treatment.

 How do I use AcceleDent?

AcceleDent is very easy to use; just follow these simple instructions:

 1.    Attach your mouthpiece to the activator and turn it on

2.    Place the mouthpiece in your mouth

3.    Bite down firmly to ensure the mouthpiece stays in place

4.    Ensure there is contact on all sides of the mouthpiece for maximum effectiveness

There's no need to hold the mouthpiece in place with your hands and you can even do this while surfing Reddit or watching Netflix. Keep in mind though that you can only pause the activator for up to 5 minutes at a time, so make sure you won’t need to pause it for longer than this if you foresee any extended interruptions. The cycle takes about 20 minutes and you should use the device around the same time each day. In terms of maintenance, all you have to do is clean your mouthpiece with water and recharge the batteries when they are low. Sounds easy right?

 Is AcceleDent safe?

AcceleDent is a non-invasive way of speeding up your teeth straightening process. AcceleDent has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) as a Class II medical device which has no detrimental health effects or tooth root damage. Not only is the treatment painless, the vibrations applied to patient's teeth have been found to minimise the soreness and sensitivity that can be caused by wearing and tightening braces.

 What are the downsides?

At present, the only disadvantage of using AcceleDent is that not all orthodontists provide this kind of innovative treatment. Only a small number of Australian orthodontists use this technology, however all our patients at Clear Smiles Orthodontics are encouraged to use AcceleDent in conjunction with Invisalign and Insignia Braces.

If only AcceleDent was available when I had braces! The technique is simple, but the results are spectacular. If you have any queries or concerns about using AcceleDent, our team at Clear Smiles Orthodontics would be happy to answer them. Simply phone 07 5593 3373 to find out more.