Fighting Dental Disease: Learn More About It Here

Fighting Dental Disease: Learn More About It Here

Teeth Straightening Options For Adults

by Gregory Price

If you don't like the way your teeth are aligned but are worried you might not be a viable candidate for braces due to your age or past dental work, worry not; there are a variety of teeth-straightening procedures that can be performed no matter how old you are. Many adults can use metal brackets and wires, but there are plenty of other options, too. Even if you have fillings, crowns, or implants, there is likely an option for you.

Orthodontic Plates

Like a retainer, orthodontic plates can be taken out to brush your teeth or for other purposes. The purpose of these plates is to slowly change the shape of your jaw over time. If your teeth are misaligned due to your jaw not having enough space, this can be an excellent way to start. With more room in your mouth, it will be easier for your teeth to shift, and thus, straighten. This can also alleviate other issues on the side, like cavities that form due to gaps, or pain that comes from stress on your jaw.

Braces for Fillings

If you have fillings in one or multiple teeth, this won't impede your ability to get even standard wire-and-bracket braces. Fillings are strong enough to have a bracket attached to them safely; at most, your orthodontist may simply use a different type of adhesive for the teeth with fillings. This also means that if you need a filling during the time you have braces, fixing it is as simple as removing a single bracket, filling the cavity, then replacing the bracket.

Alternatively, you can use invisible, removable braces that don't require any adhesives. These may cost a little more, but you won't have to worry about any adhesives interfering with your fillings.

Alignments for Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are a little more complicated than fillings, as they can be harder to apply adhesives to, and are more resistant to movement. In these cases, your orthodontist may use bands instead of adhesives to secure the braces to your teeth.

Because crowns can be slightly damaged during the movement of your teeth, you may need to get your crowns replaced after your braces are removed. Your orthodontist may also recommend using a temporary crown for the duration of your braces. This aside, crowns and bridges are no impediment to getting your teeth straightened.

Alignments for Weak Teeth

As you get older, your bone structure will start to weaken, and you will experience some natural recession in your gums. This may affect what kinds of braces you can use, but it shouldn't prevent you from getting any at all unless the weakness or gum disease is severe. Regardless, things like gum disease and tooth decay will need to be taken care of before you start wearing braces, and if your teeth are not strong enough to have brackets placed directly on them, your orthodontist may explore other options, like removable aligners or plates. You will also need to adhere to a very dedicated tooth-care regimen to prevent further decay.

For more information, contact a company like Hayden  Dental.


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About Me

Fighting Dental Disease: Learn More About It Here

Up until a year ago, I did my best to keep my teeth and gums clean. But after securing a new job, I began to work late into the night and didn't have the time or energy to brush and floss before I retired to bed. My busy schedule and poor dental hygiene finally affected my teeth and gums. After experiencing severe pain in several of my teeth, I made an appointment with my dentist. My dentist examined my mouth and discovered three large cavities in my molars. After four long weeks, my dentist finally completed my dental work. I learned a very painful lesson during that time. No matter how busy you are, always brush and floss. I started this blog to inform other people about the importance of good dental care. I hope you find the time to read it. Thanks for visiting.