Am I too old for braces and what type of braces is best?

The main hesitation and refusal factors in deciding for orthodontic treatment are appearance, inconvenience and the treatment duration.

Fortunately, new advances in dental technology has made braces smaller, less obvious and easier to clean. Some are designed to align teeth more efficiently and are much more comfortable too.

If you are wondering how teeth misalignments are fixed, braces work by taking advantage of the teeth’s ability to shift and move. The soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and bone are periodontal ligaments. Underneath your gums is a membrane surrounded by bones that roots your teeth to your jaw. This membrane controls the position of your teeth and it responds to the pressure being put on your teeth by braces. Braces also causes the bone holding teeth in place to change shape.

That means orthodontic treatments are not only limited to the adolescence, but are applicable to adults too. You may be surprised to learn that you’re never too old to get braces! Teeth placement in the mouth is more malleable than you think.

But there are some specific advantages if you start young. During adolescence, the underlying tissue in your jaw and your jawline have more flexibility and your teeth may be more responsive to movement. Naturally the treatment duration is shorter if your teeth respond more quickly to your braces. Adults go through the same biological process as children when they get braces so there is no age limitation for braces, unless you require certain corrections that may not be accomplished with braces alone. In such cases, your dentist or orthodontist would be able to advise you accordingly.

There are several types of braces and while they offer the same outcome, which is straighter teeth, each type is associated with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. These factors must be taken into consideration when deciding the best treatment option for any individual.

COMMON BRACES TYPES

• Traditional Metal Braces
  This is most common option and likely most recognisable. It works by applying the braces to the teeth and connecting them with a wire that exert pressure.
• Ceramic braces
  Work exactly like metal braces but with different materials. They are less visible than metal braces as they are clear or tooth-coloured.
• Lingual braces
  The least common braces. Works exactly the opposite of metal braces as they are applied behind the teeth.
• Self-ligating braces
  Works similarly to metal or ceramic braces. Self-ligating braces eliminate the use of the standard elastic “ties”, with a specialised clip that hold the arch wire in place to guide the teeth by slide mechanism. The clip reduce the friction placed on teeth, allowing teeth to move more freely, quickly and comfortably.
• Clear aligners
  As the name suggests, they are plastic braces which is clear or invisible and used to align teeth. They are created by capturing the patient’s bite digitally and this is used to create a plastic mould that will fit tightly over the patient’s teeth. Clear aligners works similarly to normal braces by applying pressure to reposition teeth. They are popular as they are virtually invisible and removable, allowing greater freedom to eat and drink.

If you are having trouble deciding which braces to choose, feel free to read through the pros and cons of each type below:

Metal braces

Pros:

• One of the most affordable braces option in Malaysia as they are generally priced lower than clear aligners or self-ligating braces*
• Suitable for most orthodontic treatments

Cons:

• Tend to trap food and are harder to clean as they are unremovable
• Regular consultations are required to adjust the braces
• Most visually conspicuous and noticeable choice

Ceramic braces

Pros:

• Has better aesthetics compared to metal braces since it is constructed of a ceramic material that blends into the natural colour of the teeth
• Suitable for most orthodontic treatments

Cons:

• Costs slightly higher than metal braces*
• Fragile
• Easily stained
• Regular consultations are required to adjust the braces

Lingual braces

Pros:

• The least visible braces since the braces are attached to the behind the teeth

Cons:

• Toughest to clean as they are behind your teeth
• May also be uncomfortable for the patient as the braces come into direct contact with the tongue.
• Not suitable for common orthodontic treatments

Self-ligating braces

Pros:

• Easier to clean since it uses clips instead of elastic bands to hold the wire of the brace in place
• Shorter orthodontist visits as they deliver faster results*
• Less discomfort compared to conventional braces

Cons:

• Cost higher than metal and ceramic braces*
• Regular consultations are required to adjust the braces

Clear aligners

Pros:

• Better aesthetic compared to metal braces since they do not involve brackets and wires but instead utilise a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth.
• Easiest to clean as they are removable
• Fewer consultations required for adjustment of broken wires and brackets
• Most comfortable braces to wear as they are custom made-to- fit

Cons:

• Braces need to be worn at least 22 hours per day*
• Highest cost among the other braces*
• Mostly used to correct minor to moderate dental problems in teenagers and adults
• Treatment may take longer *

Deciding to have orthodontic treatment may not be easy, but an improved smile can make a huge difference in appearance and self-esteem.

We recommend getting a detailed analysis by a qualified orthodontist to determine if braces or other orthodontic procedures are the most suitable for your teeth.

If you need assistance in finding an orthodontist, our dental locator site is available on: https://www.toothcare2u.com/dentist_locator/

DISCLAIMER:
The information above should be used as a reference only. Any medical decision should not be taken before consulting a health care professional.
The masculine gender may have been more used in the article, but without prejudice, to make reading easier.
*dependant on teeth condition