Adult s Braces: Dental Reinaissance

Addressing a range of dental concerns, orthodontic treatment is increasingly popular among grown-ups. An expert oral hygienist tells all...

- Anele Geqiwe

WHETHER YOU CHOOSE orthodontic treatment for a perfect smile or to correct other dental issues, such as your bite or teeth alignment, rest assured - you're not alone. Adult braces are on the rise, quickly becoming as common as Botox. We're witnessing a dental renaissance. Expert oral hygienist Emma King, better known as "The Tooth Fairy, breaks down this movement.

What are the benefits of braces for adults?

Improved aesthetics thanks to straighter teeth can significantly boost self-confidence, making social interactions more comfortable. Teeth are easier to brush and floss, leading to an improvement in oral health and bite issues are corrected, meaning less wear and tear of the teeth in particular and less damage to the teeth too. Chewing food becomes easier with straighter teeth, and problems associated with an incorrect bite, such as TMJ issues from grinding, can be relieved.

Are adult braces as effective as braces for teenagers?

Some orthodontists may recommend fixed braces for certain adults with more difficult cases, but clear aligners are usually the choice in the professional world. Aligners are used for mild to moderate cases and, apart from the more complicated cases, braces may also be selected for people who aren't diligent enough to wear the aligners for up to 22 hours per day. So, if the correct treatment option is selected for each patient, then the desired result should be achieved regardless of whether you wear braces or aligners.

How has the technology behind braces evolved in recent years?

Braces have become smaller, lighter, stronger and more discreet. Clear aligners are widely used and increasingly popular with many brands that are available to dental practitioners, from Active Aligners to Spark, Clear Correct, Krstl and Invisalign.

How do braces address bite issues, such as overbites or underbites?