Teeth straightening Adelaide is an orthodontic procedure used to correct crooked or protruding teeth and address issues related to how upper and lower jaws meet during chewing or swallowing.
Straight teeth create an appealing smile and make brushing and flossing easier, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. While children and teens have traditionally received teeth straightening Adelaide treatments during adolescence, adults can also receive braces treatments at any age.
Metal braces
Metal braces are what most people imagine when they think of orthodontic treatment, using a metal wire connected to brackets typically made from stainless steel for maximum effectiveness. By applying steady pressure to one tooth at a time, the wire exerts a slow force that forces it slightly out of alignment to help correct misalignments in alignment.
Braces typically feature metal alloys such as titanium, nickel, chromium and cobalt for their durability and corrosion resistance.
Patients may also wear elastics, which are rubber bands stretched between brackets or bands to exert different levels of force on each tooth. Elastics must be worn regularly to achieve effective results and ensure proper movement of teeth.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces use tooth-coloured brackets and an invisible, flexible metal archwire to correct crookedness, crowding or misalignment in teeth. Ceramic braces offer more discreet solutions for adults seeking treatment than traditional metal braces.
Ceramic braces tend to be slightly less resilient than metal, requiring more frequent visits to an orthodontist for repairs and adjustments. Furthermore, they stain more easily – elastic ties used to attach archwire to brackets can discolour between visits and remain stained until replaced.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is a discreet, effective alternative to metal braces that can help address misalignment of teeth. A series of custom-fit plastic trays are custom-designed to fit inside your mouth comfortably, gradually shifting your teeth over time. Most Invisalign treatments take about one year to complete – each new set of trays moves your teeth just slightly further toward creating your dream smile.
Invisalign makes life easy in many ways; its removable trays allow for no dietary restrictions or discomfort associated with traditional metal braces, and you can floss and brush as normal during treatment to minimise plaque buildup risk and achieve a beautiful and healthy smile!
Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded directly onto the front surface of teeth to correct minor cosmetic flaws, including crookedness or gaps between teeth, small or pointy enamel surfaces, or discolouration that cannot be resolved using teeth whitening treatments alone.
Dental veneers should last seven to ten years with proper care and maintenance. Patients wearing veneers should avoid biting their fingernails, chewing on pencils or drinking stain-producing foods and beverages; brush and floss regularly to protect the natural teeth beneath their veneers from gum disease or tooth decay, which could damage them over time.
Retainers
After your braces come off, it can take time for your teeth to settle into their new positions. However, your smile could quickly return to being uneven and unappealing without retainers in place.
Relapse may occur; however, this should not compromise the final result of your treatment plan. Retainers help to keep teeth aligned and straight, which in turn assists in preventing diabetes, speech impediments, snoring and heavy breathing, as well as improving chewing ability.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a quick and painless way to fix teeth that appear misshapen or discoloured. The dentist applies a tooth-coloured composite resin, which is then moulded and shaped to repair a tooth’s surface and hardened with ultraviolet light. This procedure can correct a wide range of problems, including closing gaps between teeth, fixing chipped or broken teeth, reshaping teeth, and filling in large cavities.
The dentist begins the process by selecting a shade that closely matches your natural tooth colour for the composite resin to match. They then roughen the tooth’s surface and apply a liquid to help the resin stick to it. Once the composite is applied, they sculpt it to make the tooth look its best.
While they aren’t as permanent as veneers, these teeth straightening options can last up to 8 years with proper oral hygiene. However, bonded teeth aren’t as strong as natural teeth, so it is important to maintain proper brushing and flossing habits to prevent them from becoming discoloured or breaking down.