Are you self-conscious of your teeth? Do they make you nervous to meet new people or see yourself in photographs? Being self-conscious about the state of your teeth is a concern for many adults, with āthree in ten adults in the UK unhappy about the appearance of their teeth”.
For many years, Hollywood has set the standard for straight teeth, making it more desirable than ever to have that āHollywood Smileā. However, many adults who want their teeth straightened worry they are too late. But braces arenāt just for children; there are now numerous ways to have your teeth straightened as an adult too.
Getting Adult Braces in the UK
Never before have there been so many ways to get your teeth straightened in the UK. Once seen predominantly as a treatment for teenagers, braces for adults are now gaining a huge amount of popularity. This could be due to the gleaming smiles seen on Instagram feeds and reality TV shows, or it could be that wearing braces as an adult in the UK is just more socially acceptable now.
In the UK, new treatments that include transparent braces, removable devices, invisible retainers, and even braces fitted behind the teeth, help make teeth straightening more comfortable and discreet than ever before.
Reasons to Get Braces as an Adult in the UK
The main reason for getting braces as an adult is to correct problems with dental alignment. If your teeth are not properly aligned you can experience difficulty eating, problems with cleaning your teeth, headaches, a painful jaw, problems with speech, and embarrassment over your appearance. Having braces fitted can help fix most, if not all, of these problems.
There are three main reasons why adults get braces and these include:
- Your teeth are crooked, crowded or protruding and the only reason you require braces is to fix your appearance (this is known as cosmetic dentistry).
- You have an overbite or underbite, meaning your teeth donāt meet properly, and this problem is affecting your bite.
- You have gaps between your teeth that need to be closed.
Having straight teeth doesnāt just improve your physical appearance, but it also improves your oral health. Having good oral health is integral to having great health overall as braces help correct tooth positions and problems so that you can have a healthy smile.
Is Getting Adult Braces Painful?
Many adults worry about the discomfort of getting braces later in life. After all, adults have a lot of grown-up responsibilities and these can be made harder when you are in constant discomfort. However, teeth straightening treatments carried out at Hove Dental are designed specifically to limit any pain or discomfort for the patient. Whether you are getting fixed braces or simply being fitted for a retainer, our treatments mean you will experience as little discomfort as possible.
It is important to remember that braces (whatever the type) are designed to slowly move your teeth into the desired position. Therefore, they may give your teeth a ātightā or ātenderā feeling for the first couple of days. Therefore, when your braces are first put on and tightened, you may experience a few twinges and teeth that are a little more sensitive to biting into harder foods at first. However, this will diminish within a matter of days.
How Long Do Adults Need to Wear Braces?
One of the most common questions we get asked is how long treatment takes for adults and how long do adults need to wear braces. Adult bones are denser than those of teenagers, so it can take a bit longer for adult teeth to adapt to movement. The timeline for brace treatment in adults depends on the problem you have. Sometimes our patients come to us wanting straight teeth for cosmetic reasons, while others require teeth straightening to fix underlying issues. So your brace treatment could be quick and simple, or it could take a bit more time.
When Canāt You Have Adult Braces?
Braces can be fitted on most adults, however one condition of having braces as an adult is that your teeth are in good condition and you have good oral hygiene. If your teeth are decaying or damaged, if you have gum disease or you have had extensive restorative work carried out, you may be refused cosmetic brace treatment as an adult. This is because straightening damaged teeth with braces can cause more damage than good. Call Hove Dental today to book a consultation with our specialist dentist and find out whether you meet the requirements for adult braces or not.
Types of Braces for Adults
At Hove Dental, we offer a wide range of brace treatments for adults. Take a look at the braces options we offer for adults below.
Smilelign: Invisible Braces for Adults
Smilelign braces are one of the most popular brace treatments available in the UK and they are also one of the most discreet. The official term for this discreet method of teeth straightening is āclear alignersā and provides you with clear and removable braces. Smilelign are suitable for a wide range of orthodontic treatments, with 90% of people suited to this type of brace.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are one of the most widely understood brace styles. Metal braces are commonly referred to as ātrain tracksā and are fixed to the outside of your teeth. Traditional metal braces are one of the most affordable teeth straightening options and are an effective but old school way to achieve that Hollywood smile. Orthodontic treatments for metal braces take 18-24 months, on average, depending on the extent of your treatment.
Self-ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are a type of metal brace designed to make treatment more comfortable and faster than ever before. Self-ligating braces look a lot like traditional metal braces in that they use a wire and bracket system. However, this style of metal brace does not require elastic bands or metal ties as the straightening archwire keeps the braces in place.
Lingual Braces
If you want a more discreet teeth straightening method, lingual braces could be the solution. Similar to fixed metal braces, lingual braces are fitted behind your teeth, facing inwards, so they are barely noticeable from the outside. For an added expense, patients can have lingual braces with metal brackets that are custom-made to fit each tooth.
Ceramic Braces: Adult Braces with Clear Brackets
If you are looking for adult braces with clear brackets, ceramic braces are made from a clear material or one that is the same colour and texture as your teeth, making them less obvious than other brace options. In addition to this, the wire used to connect the brackets can also be tooth-coloured or clear to make your brace treatment as discreet as possible. For many people, ceramic braces are a popular choice because they provide a discreet but fast treatment at an affordable price.
Are Adult Braces for You?
If you want to get your teeth straightened, it is important to research the different options and consult with your dentist. At Hove Dental Clinic, we provide patients with consultations and professional advice so that you know exactly what to expect before starting treatment. This is also a great time to discuss costs and get an idea of how much your treatment could cost. Donāt be afraid to ask questions!
At Hove Dental, we are here to help you achieve the smile youāve always wanted. So, if you think that adult braces are for you, give us a call today. We would be more than happy to talk with you and book a consultation to discuss your requirements and how we can achieve this.
