Brace yourself: How to get straight teeth

We used to associate braces with the teenage years, but that perception is slowly shifting as braces becoming embraced (pun intended) by more and more Aussie adults wanting to improve their smiles. Orthodontics Australia reports an increase in the number of adults looking to straighten their teeth — in fact, one survey showed 62 per cent of adults are considering getting braces.

The benefits of braces are not solely cosmetic. Not only do braces straighten teeth; they can correct jaw and bite issues that may be causing pain or problems with chewing, speech, and even sleep. They also make it easier to take good care of your teeth in order to avoid tooth decay and gum disease down the track.¹

Unlike the bulky barbed-wire-fence style of braces your high-school friends might have worn years ago, modern braces have evolved considerably and are now available in several different forms, including clear aligners such as Invisalign and lingual braces. However, not every option will work for every mouth. So how do you know which one works for you?

How do braces work anyway?

The aim of braces is to shift your teeth into a better alignment. When a tooth is pushed in a new direction due to braces, the root of the tooth presses against the underlying bone, causing a portion of the bone to dissolve so the tooth can move.² As it shifts, new bone builds up in the empty space on the other side of the root, which helps prevent the tooth from moving back.³

Depending on how long it takes for your teeth or jaw to respond, you could be wearing braces for one to three years.⁴

The main drawback to having braces is that cleaning your teeth can be more difficult. You can also experience soft tissue injuries to the gums and cheeks. And although braces are considered largely effective, teeth may shift out of alignment after the braces are removed. To prevent this, you’ll have to wear retainers.⁵ These can either be a line of metal permanently attached to the inside of your teeth or a temporary plate worn at night.⁶

Let’s look at the main types of braces, and the pros and cons of each.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are like a mouthguard that grips to your teeth by attaching to small white bumps stuck to your teeth. Invisalign^® is a common brand and one offered at Clearly Dental clinics. Designed to be worn for about 22 hours a day, each aligner is worn for one to two weeks, and as your teeth slowly move, you move to the next level of aligner. The number of aligners you’ll need depends on the type of work you’re having done.

Because Invisalign^® clear aligners are invisible, custom-made, and easily removable for meals, they are an attractive alternative to traditional braces. But what you may not realise is that clear aligners only work for minor tooth movements.⁷ If you need complex tooth movements, traditional braces are the best option. That’s because clear aligners can’t be adjusted during the process in the way that traditional braces can.⁸

If you decide to go with Invisalign^® clear aligners, you’ll need to be assessed by a Clearly Dental dentist to make sure you get the right fit for your needs. Moving teeth is a process requiring really careful supervision, so we like to tell our patients to be wary of mail-order aligners or kits that allow you straighten your teeth at home.

Free Invisalign^® consultations are offered at all Clearly Dental clinics. During these consultations you can ask all your questions and get answers straight away (pun intended!).

Traditional braces

The reason traditional braces are the go-to orthodontic treatment is because they can move the teeth in many different directions at once.

Usually made of stainless steel, titanium, or ceramic, traditional braces are comprised of small brackets fixed to the teeth, connected by wires. Those wires gently put pressure on the teeth, pulling them into a more aligned position to correct gaps or crooked teeth. Your orthodontist will need to adjust them regularly, say, every month or two, depending on your teeth. It can be mildly painful, but this usually only lasts one to two days after each visit.

The cost of metal braces varies, but as a ballpark, you can expect to pay between $6,000 and $9,000.⁹ If you opt for less obtrusive options such as tooth-coloured wires or ceramic brackets, the cost will be higher.

Lingual braces

Definitely the most expensive teeth-straightening method, lingual braces are attached to the inside of your teeth, which means they’re practically invisible. Lingual braces will set you back somewhere between $9,500 and $15,000 — that’s because they’re custom-made in a lab to fit your teeth perfectly¹⁰, and they’re more challenging to adjust.¹¹

Lingual braces are only administered by an Orthodontist, so they are not as widely known or talked about. They can also make it harder for you to clean your teeth and it may also irritate the tongue. In the short term, they can also affect your speech.¹² As with all braces, there may be some mild pain. Our dentists can point you in the right direction of a specialist Orthodontist if you’d like to find out more.

Before making a decision…

All types of braces can get great results, but only if selected carefully for your individual needs — there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to braces. That’s why it’s so important to speak to your dentist and orthodontist to discuss your options before you proceed. Click here to speak with your local Clearly Dental team — they’ll be sure to answer any questions you may have.

Remember, with any straightening option, results will vary for each person. It’s also possible that other treatments might be recommended prior to straightening commencing. This might include preventative treatment. Be sure to get informed about all your options and all the pros and cons in order to have some clear expectations about what the process might be like for you. Information is key