Braces for adults – It’s never too late
How many times have you looked in the mirror and wished that you had a better smile? It’s not just teenagers who can benefit from orthodontics. Adults with good oral hygiene and who have healthy gums and teeth can undergo orthodontic treatment to correct crooked and protruding teeth, perhaps close gaps or address other problems such as teeth not fitting together correctly.
Since the turn of the century, more and more adults are seeking cosmetic dental work, proving that our smiles are increasingly important for social reasons and to build self-confidence. Our clients range in age from 8 to 80 and beyond.
We can often help your own dentist achieve their treatment objectives for you too. Orthodontic treatment can be used to optimise the placement of implants, bridges, crowns or veneers.
We’re often asked if treatment takes longer for adults. The answer depends on the problem you present with. Some treatments are quick and simple; others take more time. Adult bone is a little denser than that of teenagers and so can take a bit longer to adapt to movement. Be wary of quick fix orthodontics: as in life, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. These short term systems often cut corners which can affect long term stability of the result. For more information from an orthodontic consultant about Six Month Smiles have a look at this link; and Fastbraces try this. An orthodontic specialist is best placed to advise you on this…
Looking after your fixed brace
You will need: a toothbrush (travel toothbrush for daytime use), interdental brushes, wax, fluoride mouthwash. These can be purchased from reception.
To ensure that your treatment progresses as quickly as possible and that your teeth remain undamaged throughout your treatment please follow these instructions:
Keep your gums and teeth clean:
Please brush your teeth at least 3 times a day after every meal. You will need to use your normal manual or electric toothbrush to brush the tips of your teeth, across the brace and between your teeth and gums, including the gum margin. You must also use an interdental brush behind the wire between each bracket. For a demonstration of how to brush visit the ‘first few days’ video click here.
The use of disclosing tablets once or twice a week is a good idea to check your brushing is up to scratch.
Please use fluoride mouthwash with a concentration of 0.05% fluoride (225ppm) last thing at night after brushing – rinse for 1 minute then spit out. This helps to strengthen your teeth to avoid ugly marks developing.
Don’t break your brace:
Avoid chewy and crunchy foods e.g. chewing gum, toffee, crusty bread, pizza crusts etc – use your common sense. Cut up hard foods such as apples and raw carrots. Don’t pick at your brace with your fingers and don’t bite pens. If your brace breaks contact us straight away– if your brace remains broken your treatment could take longer.
Keep your teeth healthy – decalcification marks are permanent:
Do not eat sticky or chewy sweets or sweets that take a long time to suck e.g. mints, boiled sweets etc. Chocolate will be fine on occasion (1-2 times per week as a treat). Avoid fizzy drinks of any type including diet drinks and fizzy or flavoured water. The best things to drink with braces are plain water, plain milk or squash diluted as much as possible. Fruit juice will also damage your teeth so have no more than 1 glass a day and drink it through a straw to prevent it swilling around your teeth.
Use a gumshield if you play contact sports: either off-the-peg or custom-made (we supply both).
What to expect:
Your teeth will start to ache a few hours after having the brace fitted and the next day tends to be the most uncomfortable. The aching will then start to subside and after a week, it should be a lot more comfortable. Use ibuprofen (as long as you don’t have asthma) or paracetamol if necessary. Use brace wax to help prevent rubbing of the insides of your cheeks and lips. Have a really soft diet for the first few days as your teeth will be tender.
Please watch our instruction video on ‘fixed appliances’ click here.