The days when braces were only offered to children and teenagers are long gone. There is ample of evidence to show the positive impact orthodontic treatment can have on adult’s confidence and quality of life. Patients of all ages, young and old, can benefit from orthodontic treatment. In recent times, with the introduction of aligner technology and the increased awareness regarding the importance of straight teeth and an attractive smile, more adults have decided to have orthodontic treatment. While age is not a concern when it comes to getting a healthy, beautiful smile, adult orthodontic treatment can more complicated. In view of this, we believe it is imperative that your treatment is provided by a specialist orthodontist who has the training, expertise and experience to deliver the best results.
Today, globally most adults are still treated with fixed appliances ie train-tracks. However, as aesthetics appliances have become more popular, we can now use clear brackets, aligner system such as Invisalign, or lingual braces (train-tracks on the back of your teeth) while not compromising on your result.
Type of appliances
- Traditional fixed braces: these are composed of metal or clear brackets and wires. This is the move conventional form of orthodontic treatment and the most researched of all. We will see you every 6 weeks and the wires adjusted as the teeth move.
- Dentofacial orthopaedic appliances: these are group of fixed or removable appliances that are mainly used in growing children to modify jaw growth to intercept or treat jaw position discrepancies.
- Aligner therapy: Orthodontists call them “clear aligners.” Consumers may call them “Invisalign” (a brand name that’s become a generic term, even though several companies make clear aligners). Aligners are one of many technological advancements that have made orthodontic treatment less conspicuous. Aligners are clear plastic trays which moves your teeth to the desired position. They are custom made specifically for your teeth and they are worn around 22 hours per day. Each set of aligners is worn for a week or two before going to the next set. Over time, teeth reach their ideal position, according to the orthodontist’s plan. The total number of aligners will vary by the needs of each patient. As with traditional braces, patients will need to wear retainers after their teeth reach their new positions.
The advantages of aligners over fixed braces are:
1. They are more aesthetic
2. You can take them out for eating and cleaning
3. Less visits required to the orthodontist (emergency visits are rare)
Patient from Other Countries
We are currently treating patients with aligners who live in different countries and different continents.
- Temporary Anchorage Devices: also known as a micro screws or mini screws. These devices are used to aid our ability to move certain teeth while not affecting the position of other teeth. While this is not the only method to achieve the desired result, it is a very effective and efficient means of doing so.
- Snoring and sleep apnoea devices: there is growing number of men and women who rely on intra-oral devices to end snoring, treating sleep apnoea or simply to improve their quality of sleep. These intra-oral devices are ideal alternative treatment for patients who suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea and patients with severe apnoea but cannot tolerate CPAP therapy or/and jaw surgery.
- Lingual braces: these are fixed braces bonded behind your teeth. They are the only completely invisible orthodontic appliance which no one can see when you speak or smile. In Ratoath orthodontics we use the Win and Incognito systems. The brackets in both systems are customised to fit your teeth and the wires are robotically bent with great precision to achieve desired movements. Another thing to keep in mind is that the adjustments appointments with lingual braces are significantly longer than with conventional braces or aligners. That’s why the treatment cost with this system is significantly higher than other options.
- Orthodontic retainers: the aim of retainers is to minimise relapse or unwanted dental movement at the end of active treatment. Retention is generally achieved by means of clear vacuum formed plastic retainers or metal wires that are bonded on the back of your front teeth.
