Have you put up with a crooked smile for years? Are you fed up with trying to brush and floss overlapping or overcrowded teeth? If so, orthodontics might be the right treatment for you. But, if you are an adult, then you are probably reluctant to wear conventional braces. Luckily, we live in an age where there are some excellent nearly invisible braces systems to straighten your teeth discreetly.

In fact, adult orthodontics is extremely popular and in many dental practices, roughly a quarter of people seeking orthodontic treatment are adults. You probably even know at least a few people who already had orthodontic treatment, but you may not have realized due to the advances in braces. Braces are just one way to straighten up your smile as some people choose to rely solely on cosmetic dentistry to give them more perfect teeth. Despite that, there are several clear advantages in choosing orthodontics over cosmetic dentistry.

The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is about far more than merely moving your teeth into the correct and more attractive alignments. Did you know it can also benefit your dental health in numerous different ways? For a start, it can improve your ability to chew properly, potentially making digestion easier, and especially if your teeth are severely misaligned. Do you wake up with an aching jaw or headaches?

You could have a problem called bruxism and which is tooth grinding and clenching. When your teeth are properly aligned, then you are less likely to clench and grind, reducing these unpleasant symptoms while helping to protect your teeth. A clenching and grinding habit can be extremely destructive for your teeth.

Teeth that are correctly aligned can help to create a better facial symmetry while providing the proper support for your facial muscles giving you a nice, wide smile which is cosmetically desirable. When your teeth are no longer overcrowded or have unsightly spaces between them, you’ll find it easier to look after them properly. Brushing and flossing will be quicker and more effective, helping to enhance your dental health while reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Comparing Orthodontics with Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is definitely useful for specific occasions, but it merely concentrates on improving the overall appearance of your teeth rather than ensuring they are properly aligned and bite together correctly. Usually, when you have a cosmetic dental treatment such as porcelain veneers or crowns, it’s necessary for your cosmetic dentist to remove some tooth structure to ensure there is sufficient room for your new restorations to be fitted without feeling too bulky or looking unnatural.

Sometimes reshaping your natural teeth isn’t such a bad thing, for example, if you have teeth that are severely broken down or decayed, but it can be undesirable if your teeth are strong and healthy because removing any tooth structure may increase the risk of infection and decay in the future.

When you contrast cosmetic dentistry with orthodontics, then the differences are obvious. Instead of reshaping your teeth, your orthodontist will realign them, preserving your natural tooth structure. The very act of realigning your teeth helps to protect them because ensuring they bite together correctly helps reduce unwanted stresses that could otherwise cause these teeth to chip or fracture. Additionally, provided you follow the after-care instructions provided by your orthodontist, the results of treatment should last for life.

When you have porcelain veneers or crowns, although they will last for many years, you will need to budget to replace them at some stage in the future. One thing that often attracts people to cosmetic dentistry rather than braces is the thought of being able to complete a smile makeover quite quickly. However, although orthodontic treatment may take a bit longer, it is so much better for your dental health, and with today’s modern braces it’s extremely discreet too!

Your Choices Include Fixed and Removable Braces

There are several types of nearly invisible braces to choose from and which include fixed and removable braces. One of the most popular kinds of removable braces is called Invisalign, and you may well have already heard a bit about this system. Instead of brackets and wires, it consists of thin plastic aligners that look a bit like teeth whitening trays and fit tightly over your teeth.

The aligners are custom-made to move teeth into the proper alignments gradually, and each set of aligners is worn for two weeks before you move onto the next set. Treatment continues until your teeth are beautifully positioned and straightened. It’s a system that is extremely easy to use and has nearly zero impact on your day-to-day life. You won’t need to make any changes to your diet, and you can brush and floss your teeth just like usual.

Although removable braces may seem appealing, it’s also worth considering fixed braces because these can have clear ceramic brackets attached to very thin wires. Some braces are designed to fit the inner surfaces of your teeth so they cannot be seen. Fixed braces are a little trickier to look after but can be useful when correcting more complex orthodontic problems. They provide precise results and can work quite quickly, sometimes within a matter of just a few months.

How to Decide Which Brace Is Best

When you first visit your orthodontist, they can examine your teeth and will explain each orthodontic system in far greater detail. They will recommend the system they feel is most beneficial for your needs and which will provide the best treatment outcome. It’s worth being guided by their experience and specialized training because after all, you want to get the most out of treatment.

After your treatment is completed, then don’t forget to wear your retainers as recommended by your orthodontist. With some systems, you only need to wear retainers for a short while each day, while with other braces you may need to wear your retainers nearly full-time. You’ll find your retainers are equally as discreet as your braces and will be comfortable and easy to wear. Now all you have to do is to enjoy your new smile and all the potential benefits it can bring to your dental health.