Orthodontic treatment can be carried out at any age, provided your teeth are healthy
QI am 45 years old and have crooked teeth. I am very conscious of this. A friend suggested that I see an orthodontist and that this problem could be sorted out by the use of braces. I thought that it was only children who could have their teeth straightened and that it was too late as an adult. Can you give me some details about this type of treatment, is it suitable for adults, does it hurt and is it expensive?
APeople tend to associate orthodontic treatment with children and adolescents; however, orthodontic treatment can be carried out at any age, provided your teeth are healthy.
Orthodontics is a specialist area of dentistry dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist is a specialist dentist who has carried out additional training in orthodontics from an accredited dental school after their initial five years of dental training.
About 30 per cent of patients receiving orthodontic treatment in Ireland are adults – 25 per cent of whom are men.
Orthodontic treatment at any stage in life can greatly improve your appearance and self-esteem, while also improving the health of your teeth and gums.
Having straight teeth makes it easier to keep them clean, lessening the risk of decay and gum disease. However, the main reason is to get a great smile.
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to an aligned position.
There are many types of braces available and your orthodontist will advise which type is most suitable for you. Most orthodontic treatment is carried out using fixed braces, sometimes known as “train track” braces.
This system uses a combination of metal or clear brackets and flexible wires to gently move your teeth.
Most orthodontists believe this is the most effective and precise way to move teeth. The brackets used now are very small – smaller than the ones that many people remember from 10 or 20 years ago.
Ceramic fixed braces may also be used. They are very similar to the traditional metal fixed braces, but the brackets are made of tooth-coloured ceramic instead of metal, making them less visible. Lingual braces are also made of metal, but are fitted on the back of your teeth instead of the front.
They are virtually invisible, but can be more uncomfortable than conventional metal braces, and are suited to only certain types of cases.
Invisalign and Clearstep are two systems which consist of a series of removable and virtually clear aligners, which are created from 3D computer images of your teeth and mouth.
Each aligner is replaced every two to three weeks. As you progress through each aligner, your teeth move little by little, week by week. Aligners are removed for eating and drinking, and for cleaning your teeth. Invisalign and Clearstep are suitable for only minor corrections.
The length of time you may require a brace depends on many factors, but generally ranges from one to two-and-a-half years, depending on the severity of the problem.
The appointment to have your braces fitted can take from 45 minutes to one hour. Once braces are fitted, most appointments take about 15 minutes every six to eight weeks.
There is very little discomfort associated with braces. Placement of braces on your teeth is painless. Following placement, teeth may feel a little uncomfortable for a few days. Lips and cheeks can be a little sore while they get used to the braces.
Treatment cost varies, again depending on the severity of the problem and the type of braces used. Treatment with standard “train track” braces usually costs between €4,000 and €5,500.
Your orthodontist will be happy to discuss these issues with you prior to committing yourself to having treatment. The majority of people who are conscious about their crooked teeth and have them realigned are very happy with the cosmetic outcome.
Having orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, allowing you to get that beautiful smile you have always wanted.
- This weekly column is edited by Thomas Lynch, consultant urological surgeon, St James's Hospital, Dublin, with a contribution by Dr Tony Coughlan, orthodontist, Dublin Orthodontics, Dublin. Please send your questions to health supplement@irishtimes.com
