Considering braces as an adult? Here’s what you need to know
The idea of wearing braces as an adult can be tricky to come to terms with, and you’ll probably have lots of questions. What types of braces are available? How will they look and feel? Will they affect my brushing and general oral hygiene? We asked Orthodontic Specialist Dr Anthony from Elleven Dental to talk us through the options available.
“There are generally two types of braces: removable or fixed appliances,” explains Dr Anthony. “How long patients wear braces depends on the severity of the problem, and varies from patient to patient. As a rule of thumb, 12-18 months is typical, but many factors can come into play. Retainers are different, since they’re usually recommended after braces to maintain the position of teeth.”
Here’s what you should know about all three types:
Removable braces
“Patients usually wear removable braces around three months longer than fixed appliances, but it depends on the severity of the case,” explains Dr Anthony. “One of the most popular types is the ‘invisible’ style, similar to a gum-shield.
“In my opinion, they’re best suited to treat mild problems – so if there are a lot of issues I wouldn’t always recommend them. However, they’re incredibly user-friendly and there aren’t any sharp bits or wires, which means they’re simple and comfortable to wear. Another bonus is they’re very discreet and you can take them out to eat, or clean your teeth.”
Fixed braces
“Lingual braces are fixed behind the teeth, and they’re slightly more expensive than the ceramic (tooth-coloured) or metal styles, which are also fixed,” says Dr Anthony. “Lingual braces are popular since you can’t see them at all, even less than the ‘invisible’-style removable braces.”
The downside? They’re less comfortable than removable appliances, and can take a while to get used to, he says. “Some patients find they develop a slight lisp – [but] this usually disappears within a couple of weeks,” says Dr Anthony. However, if your job involves public speaking, for example, these might not be right for you.
Fixed braces can make it trickier to clean your teeth – particularly with ceramic or metal braces. This can cause staining – which can leave little ‘windows’ on the teeth when the brace is removed – and a build-up of plaque and potential gum damage due to food getting stuck in the braces.
To help keep your mouth healthy, try Oral-B’s new Gum Purify toothpaste. This reduces plaque, even at the gum line, targeting hard-to-reach places with its unique activated foam formula. Plus it cools gums during and after brushing with its fresh peppermint flavour, which can be a real relief for brace wearers.
A good-quality toothbrush with a round brush head, like the Genius X with Artificial Intelligence, will also enable you get to those hard-to-reach areas with ease, thanks to its real-time feedback that helps you to get the best brush every day.
Retainers
“Retainers are not an orthodontic appliance, since they don’t move the teeth,” says Dr Anthony. “But once braces are removed, retainers are often essential to help prevent the teeth moving and to retain the position of the teeth. Some can be worn as little as two or three nights a week.”
Research by Dr Robert Little, Professor of Orthodontics at the University of Washington in Seattle, outlines the importance of wearing retainers after treatment.
Dr Anthony explains, “The research shows that you need long-term retention, and wearing retainers gives patients the best chance of maintaining alignment. Research found that without retainers, teeth are likely to move or relapse back to their original position – so it’s definitely worth discussing options with your dentist.”
Hopefully this guide will help you find the braces to suit you, so you can smile with confidence.
Have you tried Oral-B’s new Gum Purify toothpaste? Check it out here.