While we may be used to seeing teenagers’ metal-encased grins as they try to straighten out their teeth, it is less common for adults. It seems that once you get past those early adult years, there is less priority for adults to fix their teeth; – unless they go for the complete overhaul with dental implants. Why are normal braces not suitable for adults?

However, there are many reasons why adults too could benefit from orthodontist treatment. As you age, your teeth can shift and move around for various reasons; affecting your overall sense of self esteem and wellbeing.

Reasons for poor teeth structure in later adult years include:

Hereditary reasons: teeth shape and structure can be inherited so chances are if your parents’ teeth tended towards the crooked, yours will too. Also, if you did not have the opportunity to have orthodontal treatment as a child; then any dental issues you may have rectified when younger will follow you into adulthood.

Wear and tear, and damage: have your teeth ever been knocked out, damaged, or broken; whether in an accident, fight, or simply biting into a hard apple? Our teeth go through a lot of grief over the course of our lifetime, and it is no wonder that they show their scars.

Pregnancy: during pregnancy the hormone relaxin, which is produced by the ovaries and placenta, is found in higher levels in a woman’s body. This causes the softening of ligaments, which helps the childbirth process. It can also soften the ligaments that bind the teeth to the gums and jaws. Consequently, perfectly straight teeth can shift out of place.

As you progress through adulthood, crooked teeth can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. They can make you self-conscious both at work and socially. In addition, crooked teeth tend to be more challenging to keep clean, becoming more quickly discolored; and at greater risk of gum disease and loss of teeth.

However, many adults are not keen on strapping themselves into the track braces that teenagers wear. For a professional adult who is in a responsible job that requires presentation skills; ‘train track’ braces are an impractical and unworkable solution.

Fortunately, dental technology has evolved considerably over the last few years, and these days the availability of clear braces, specifically Invisalign, has extended the opportunities available to adults to tackle crooked teeth in a way that is fast, effective, and discreet.

Why are normal braces not suitable for adults?

The restrictions involved with the wearing of traditional braces make them a difficult option for most adults. Apart from being very visible, they restrict your ability to eat certain foods, are fiddly and often uncomfortable to wear; and require regular checkups to adapt and tighten the braces as they do their job. The upside to more traditional braces is that they tend to be more cost-effective; – usually about half the price of Invisalign.

A more discreet solution to crooked teeth

Although Invisalign may be more expensive, they offer a much more discreet and practical method for working towards realigning those crooked teeth and gaining back your smile, as a result, your self-esteem.

Because these braces are completely clear, they are not noticeable to other people. You can take them out when eating, so you can continue eating what you want and don’t risk getting any spinach caught up in the metal attachments.

As you grow to love your smile and your teeth again, always remember to look after them properly – good dental hygiene is not just for childhood – those habits need to follow you throughout adulthood too.