Braces can be worn at any age. Promising a new smile, a new face, and above all a better quality of life, they allow a wide range of orthodontic corrections ranging from the simplest to the most complex. In adults, orthodontics can help to improve the aesthetics of the smile, to perform prosthetics, to rehabilitate the functional occlusion or to ensure the sustainability of the dental system.
If in the past, braces were synonymous with letting go and a metallic smile, these images have given way to more aesthetic and comfortable concepts. Indeed, recent years have witnessed the evolution of conventional dental braces towards more discreet multi-attachment devices, but also the emergence of new concepts of adult orthodontic devices, favoring aesthetics such as the lingual technique and transparent aligners. Here are some examples of adult braces:
Classic dental appliances
The buccal multi-attachment concept consists of placing pins on the external face of the teeth and connecting them together by a wire, the dental arch which exerts a slight pressure on the teeth and thus helps guide their movements. The wire will be attached to the pins with ligatures. Depending on the case, the practitioner experienced in orthodontics may also choose to place rubber bands to correct the positioning of the jaws or accelerate the movement of the teeth.
The apparatus will be adjusted regularly by progressive tightening of the arcs. This will be done during visits planned initially. Respecting the schedule will therefore be essential for the smooth running of the treatment. Moreover, due to the natural modifications of the mouth, the device can over time become more mobile and require relining which consists of readjusting it to the gum by adding resin under its base without removing it.
The latest trends in dental braces
More discretion : The cliché of the metallic smile formerly associated systematically with dental appliance wearers is no longer appropriate today with innovations which tend to meet the expectations of a clientele more concerned about its image.
A patient wishing a more discreet conventional appliance can opt either for ceramic bands which will be the same shade as the teeth, or for transparent resin bands . However, the latter require more precautions because they tend to turn yellow over time (avoid coloring foods: coffee, wine, etc.). Likewise, hard foods should be avoided for ceramic pins which are more fragile than metal ones.
Ceramic housings are moreover most often associated with metal pins, more rigid and more solid, which will be placed on the non-visible teeth, in particular those at the back, so as to be able to tighten the teeth more effectively. You can also opt for a mixed fitting , namely: ceramic on the upper teeth and metal on the lower ones. This alternative will allow you to reduce additional costs.
More comfort : More discreet but also more comfortable. These days, braces are smaller and lighter. They are designed to minimize friction and create less discomfort for the patient. This is particularly the case with new concepts such as self-ligating brackets which also make it possible to facilitate and accelerate the movement of teeth. Some brands even offer tailor-made products through digital modeling.
What are the advantages of invisible removable aligners?
A resolutely discreet and aesthetic concept, removable aligners have the advantage of offering the patient a treatment that cannot be seen , since they are completely transparent. A very comfortable treatment also which excludes irritation, but also very practical since they can be removed during meals or for brushing teeth, which facilitates both their cleaning and dental hygiene. Finally, digital correction planning allows you to see the results of the treatment before you even start it .
Who are removable aligners for?
As mentioned above, the application of removable aligners is limited to certain types of malposition. This method cannot treat complex malocclusions such as the height adjustment of teeth, root movements following tooth extraction or severe rotation of cylindrical type teeth (canine, etc.), etc. In these cases, it is recommended to refer to conventional orthodontics. Where appropriate, the patient should be advised of the limitations of the treatment and of the compromises it implies in terms of results.
We call transparent dental devices invisible aligners and aligners. Lingual appliances are for their part invisible, but not transparent. This small linguistic notion having been clarified, here is the opinion of on transparent dental appliances used in orthodontic treatments for adults.
Absolute comfort
The clear braces are those that offer the most comfort to patients. If we compare them, for example, to lingual appliances which also cannot be seen, we can note the following differences:
No rings will be stuck on your teeth, since you will be wearing clear aligners, also called aligners.
You will have fewer appointments with your experienced orthodontic practitioner: Your transparent dental appliance must indeed be changed every two weeks, but your orthodontic practitioner can give you several appliances in advance, in order to space out the appointments. you. A treatment with transparent dental apparatus is therefore less restrictive for the patient in terms of his schedule and his daily life.
A dental appliance transparent does not contain metal. As a result, there is no risk of irritation or injury to your tongue, which is not the case with a conventional appliance or a lingual appliance, which is also located on the internal surface. teeth.
Brushing your teeth is made easier by removing your transparent braces .
For the same reasons, you will be able to eat normally, without worrying about food getting stuck in your rings.
An aesthetic and discreet device
One of the main reasons for the success of treatments with transparent braces is the aesthetic benefit that this brings to the patient. It is a completely transparent gutter. In addition, it is not necessary to wear it 24 hours a day, regardless of the dentition deformation to be corrected. Most patients mainly wear their transparent braces at night, and can therefore remove them during the day, especially when going out in society.
Transparent dental apparatus – The practitioner’s opinion
The clear braces are increasingly preferred by adult patients and adolescents, too concerned with their comfort and aesthetic advantage offered wearing a transparent gutter. But what about the effectiveness of these treatments?
Conclusion
It is never too late to benefit from an orthodontic correction, especially as adult dental appliances are becoming more and more discreet and leave us a certain choice as to the treatment to adopt. Making an informed choice is, however, an essential element in the success of a treatment. Only an experienced orthodontic practitioner can determine the approach best suited to your case depending on the complexity of your problem and your expectations.
Adult braces: 4 good reasons to take the plunge!
Some people are still reluctant to take the plunge and wear adult braces . It is indeed a treatment which can be long, which represents a budget which must be taken into account, and which can seem restrictive on a daily basis. Those who hesitate often still have their teenage experiences in mind. However, orthodontic treatments for adults are totally different in many ways. Here are 4 reasons why you should no longer hesitate to consult your experienced orthodontic practitioner.
Adult dental apparatus – Appropriate equipment
The adult braces are totally different from those for adolescents. They are specially designed to be adapted to the needs of adult patients, particularly in terms of discretion and comfort. You can thus opt for a lingual appliance , where the bands are placed on the internal face of the teeth instead of the external face, or for invisible aligners type Invisalign , which are completely transparent aligners. Each of these techniques have different characteristics and advantages; your practitioner experienced in orthodontics will be able to advise you which one will best suit your case, depending on the state of your teeth and the positioning defects that will need to be corrected.
Adult Braces – An Effective Treatment
Some people hesitate because they have already undergone orthodontic treatment as a teenager and it has proved ineffective. The manufacture of adult braces requires advanced technology and the use of high quality materials, patented specifically for use in orthodontics. Add to this the expertise of your experienced orthodontic practitioner, who will be able to administer the most suitable treatment, in other words, to have optimal use of adult dental appliances in order to obtain excellent results.
Adult braces – A lasting result
What is the point of having an effective treatment if your teeth regain their initial position after a few months or a few years? First of all, know that your teeth are required to move throughout your life, depending on several factors (tongue movements, growth, aging, etc.). However, again, orthodontic treatments for adults have made great strides in recent years. After wearing your adult braces to align your teeth, a stabilization and retention phase will come in order to stabilize the results obtained and avoid future unwanted displacements. These results can last for decades!
Adult braces – A manageable budget
The orthodontic treatment for adults take several months and involve a budget often reaching four digits. It is a large budget which can also contribute to making some people hesitate to “take the plunge”. However, there are several solutions to find a radiant smile while controlling your expenses. Complementary health insurance can in particular cover part of the cost of your treatment. In addition, your experienced orthodontic practitioner will be able to offer you payment facilities, by staggering these payments with monthly installments adapted to your finances. For more information on this subject.
