Wednesday, July 1, 2009
I’m a 56 year old mom and both of my kids had braces. I’m ready to have them for myself now, but I’m not sure I want to wear the wires. I have heard that there are clear braces that will do the trick. What are my options?
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for kids. Many of my patients are looking for a more beautiful smile and they understand the health benefits of having straighter teeth. Having straight teeth and a stable bite is good for you because when your teeth fit well, they work better. Straighter teeth are easier to clean and, of course, they look better, too!
Traditional braces employ the use of brackets, which are glued onto the teeth and linked together by elastics and wire. The wire has a “memory” for a preset shape, which slowly moves the teeth to their ideal positions. Every few weeks, the wires are changed. You can ask for the wires and brackets to be placed on the tongue side of the teeth if you’re concerned about the “metal” look. It’s a little more complicated and the feel of the brackets against your tongue will take some getting used to.
One new way your dentist can straighten your teeth is by using clear braces. These are high-grade plastic “trays” which are worn over your teeth and replaced every few weeks. Each new tray slowly moves your teeth closer to their ideal position. The trays are created using a form of Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Using a virtual 3D model of your teeth, a computer creates a proposal for the series of movements required to straighten your teeth. Trays corresponding to each movement are then manufactured. The obvious advantage to this method is that the trays are clear and nobody can see your braces. Because you can remove them to eat and clean your teeth between meals, you can keep your teeth and gums healthier. Additionally, you won’t have to suffer the embarrassment of spinach or other foods caught in your brackets when having dinner with friends or business associates. The biggest drawback to clear braces is the need for patient compliance. You need to wear them all of the time, except during meals and for cleaning. This is why removable braces are not recommended for children or where compliance may be an issue.
Both treatment systems usually take an average of one to one and a half years, after which, you will wear retainers for another year, but usually just at night. The new thinking is “retention for life”, which means you will need to wear your retainers at least once a week to keep your teeth from relapsing back to their original position. Your dentist can also use fixed retention, which is a wire glued to the tongue side of your teeth. This may make it more a little more challenging to floss your teeth but with a little practice, it is doable
The investment for a healthier and better-looking smile ranges from $5000 to $9,000. Many adults are now having their teeth straightened and are glad they did it. After all, you can’t let your kids have all of the fun! Keep smiling!
