Adult Braces

Straightening your teeth later in life may seem like an overwhelming task. However, adult braces help you to achieve the dream smile you have always wanted, no matter your age or the severity of your misalignment.

The Different Types Of Braces

All types of braces exert pressure onto the teeth, gradually moving them into alignment. This treatment helps to correct a variety of issues, including crossbite, overbite, crowding, open bite and more.

There are a variety of braces to choose from.

• Lingual Braces: Usually the most expensive option, lingual braces are attached to the inside of your teeth (tongue side). They are the most aesthetically pleasing choice for many adults.
• Self-Ligating Braces: These braces offer a more streamlined experience when compared to standard metal or ceramic braces. Minimising the need for regular dentist visits, self-ligating braces use a built-in mechanism to hold the arch-wire, helping to move teeth at a fast pace with fewer adjustments.
• Ceramic Braces: Replacing metal with coloured ceramic, this type of brace is an aesthetically pleasing alternative to basic metal braces, making it a great option for those looking to subtly straighten their teeth.
• Metal Braces: The default choice of NHS dentist. A low-cost tooth straightening technique, metal braces are the least discreet way to achieve an aligned smile.
• Clear Aligners: Available at Smile White, clear aligners rapidly straighten teeth without wires. Every two weeks you progress your treatment to the next stage by swapping your clear aligners.

Pros & Cons Of Fixed Braces

If you have a complex or severe misalignment, fixed braces are ideal. They are very effective and, as they are permanently attached to your teeth, there’s no risk of losing or misplacing them while you go about your daily life. Another benefit of braces for teeth is that they are widely available from an orthodontist.

On the other hand, fixed braces do have some disadvantages. While some types are designed to be more aesthetically pleasing, including ceramic, fixed braces in general tend to be less discreet in the mouth. Alongside this, they are hard to clean, can irritate the cheeks and gums and often require multiple trips to the orthodontist for tightening and maintenance. This constant travelling increases the overall treatment cost.

Pros & Cons Of Clear Aligners

For adults looking to straighten their smile as subtly as possible, clear aligners are ideal, slotting over your teeth with an almost imperceptible finish. They are easily removed, meaning you can eat, drink, brush and floss without restriction. This at-home treatment tends to align your teeth quicker than fixed braces too.

Something to take into consideration is that clear aligners are not suitable for very complex and severe cases, or individuals with missing teeth. This type of brace relies heavily on the patient’s commitment – you are expected to wear the aligners 20-22 hours per day. Additionally, every time you change trays you may experience some discomfort and pain.

Fixed Braces VS Clear Aligners: Price Comparison

After the age of 18, fixed braces are no longer available on the NHS, unless your dentist decides they are needed for health reasons. Clear aligners are not available on the NHS at all. Therefore, it is very likely that you will need to go to a private clinic if you are wishing to straighten your teeth at a later age.

When compared to fixed braces, aligners are generally cheaper. We have broken the costs down for you below.

Conclusion:

The treatment you choose to straighten your teeth will be dependent on numerous factors, including how misaligned your smile is and the aesthetic you desire. Consult with your dentist to decide which type of brace is the best option for you.