Teeth Straightening for Adults

Since the start of the pandemic, dentists have reported a significant rise in demand for cosmetic dental treatments such as teeth straightening.

Although many people still associate orthodontics with traditional metal braces, there are now plenty of clear or invisible options available to patients.

Ahead of World Orthodontic Health Day, Dr Maghnus O’Donnell, a specialist orthodontist at our Navan practice in Meath, answers some common queries about teeth straightening for adults.

Q: Am I too old for braces?

A: As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, there is no upper age limit to orthodontic treatment. More and more adults of all ages are choosing braces later in life, both for cosmetic reasons and to correct long-standing dental issues.

Q: Can I straighten my teeth discreetly?

A: Improved technologies mean that a range of comfortable, minimally invasive and even invisible solutions now exist to improve the appearance of teeth.

• Aligners, such as Invisalign, straighten teeth using a series of clear and removable plastic aligners.
• Ceramic braces are tooth coloured so that they blend in with the teeth.

Q: Which treatment option is best for me?

A: The type of orthodontic treatment that is suitable for you depends on the type of orthodontic problem you need to have corrected. Your orthodontist can advise you on the treatment best suited to your individual needs. In some cases, a combination of Invisalign and traditional braces may work best.

Q: Is Invisalign suitable for everybody?

A: Invisalign is an ideal treatment method for many patients but it is not suitable for all orthodontic issues. Your orthodontist will first need to assess a range of factors including the shape and position of your teeth, and whether you have had previous dental treatments such as a dental bridge, veneer or crown.

Q: What are the benefits of Invisalign?

A: The biggest benefit of Invisalign is that the retainers are virtually invisible. Unlike fixed metal braces, you can also remove your aligners to eat or brush and floss your teeth as normal. As your aligners are built from a 3D scan of your teeth in a lab, progress visits are kept to a minimum of every few months.

Q: When are braces a better choice than Invisalign?

A: With braces, you can treat all dental and facial issues. Even if you have multiple problems with your teeth, braces can treat each one individually. Braces also have more force than the Invisalign aligner to move crooked teeth into the desired position. Outside of the aesthetics of wearing braces, they are often the best solution for straightening your teeth.

Q: How long will orthodontic treatment take?

A: This will depend on the type of treatment and the extent or orthodontic correction required. Treatment typically lasts from six months to two years. An adult’s treatment may take slightly longer than a child’s, because the adult’s facial bones are no longer growing. Your orthodontist will discuss estimated treatment time during your assessment.

Q: Where do I start?

A: If you are an adult considering braces, you should first make an appointment to discuss it with your general dentist. They can determine if your teeth and gums are suitable for orthodontic treatment, as well as recommending a specialist orthodontist.

To find out more about teeth straightening options at Dental Care Ireland, visit our orthodontics information page.