Hey! I'm Frankie, and welcome to my dental advice blog. I'm a foodie and I love sweet treats, but I also love my teeth! It can be hard to keep your dental health in top condition when you've got a sweet tooth, but it's not impossible. Over the years, I've learned tons of great advice from friends, family members and dentists, and I'd love to share it with you. My blog is here to give you all the tips and tricks you need to stay free of decay and other tooth problems without giving up all your favourite foods and snacks.
Thanks to advances in orthodontics, it's now possible for adults in their 60s and 70s to enjoy straighter teeth. While factors other than age influence your suitability for braces, taking up such opportunities allows you to enjoy a straighter smile without using implantable devices. Before you discuss braces with your orthodontist, there are a few things you need to consider:
Discreet braces are an option
Many adults worry about whether their braces are discreet enough. While the nature of your teeth determines which braces are suitable for you, some discreet options are available. Invisalign braces are clear braces that fit behind your teeth. While they're not entirely invisible, they are less obvious than metal alternatives. In addition, you may want to consider lingual braces, which rest behind your teeth instead of on top of them.
Treatment times vary between patients
As an adult, you may want to straighten just your front teeth rather than all of them. This takes just a few months, which means fewer visits to your dentist, a cost-effective treatment period, and less disruption to your usual eating habits. If, however, you want to straighten all of your teeth, you may spend 12 to 18 months wearing braces, Before arriving at a decision, consider whether quick treatment times are a priority and discuss the implications of ongoing treatment with your orthodontist. Certain individuals may find that they want to reduce the amount of time they spend with braces in their mouth in order to reduce the risk of infection, such as those with a history of valvular heart disease.
Crowns, bridges, and implants don't contraindicate braces
While there is a limit to where orthodontists can place braces, crowns, bridges, and implants aren't always a contraindication. Depending on the nature of the implant and your existing teeth, some can work around them. In some cases, you may need additional dental work to make your braces possible, but your care team will discuss this with you in advance of treatment.
Speech and aftercare
For the first week following your fitting, you may find you develop a slight lisp, especially if you choose lingual braces. This is less likely when opting for those that rest on the front of your teeth, however, you may experience after effects such as swollen lips from grazes made by the brackets.
If making your teeth straighter is at the forefront of your mind, discuss your orthodontic options with a professional. While treatment plans vary from person to person, you'll benefit from straighter teeth and an aesthetically pleasing smile for years to come.
Share16 June 2017
