Nowadays, an increasing number of adults are turning to teeth straightening treatments to obtain the healthy, beautiful smile they have always wanted. Although orthodontics are commonly associated with children and teenagers, you can visit an orthodontist at any age as long as your teeth and gums are in good health.
Modern orthodontic treatments have evolved over the years to become more discreet and effective. Many adults who did not have the chance to straighten their teeth as kids are now looking into alternative orthodontic options such as Invisalign and lingual braces.
At Harley Street Dental Clinic in Harley Street, we are excited to see the difference a smile makeover can make in your life. Our highly-trained orthodontists will evaluate your specific situation by completing a full head, neck and dental examination.Your Harley Street orthodontist will recommend the best option to suit your expectations and lifestyle.
Lingual braces
If you want to have a straight smile, but don’t want to wear highly visible braces, your Harley Street orthodontist may recommend lingual braces. These are virtually undetectable metal braces glued on the back of your teeth. Lingual braces can work on both your upper and lower teeth or they can be used in combination with clear braces on your lower teeth.
Lingual braces work just like traditional metal braces, using brackets and arch wires to move your teeth into their right positions. Because they are fixed into your teeth they remain in place throughout your treatment. However, lingual braces are hard to clean and prevent you from eating certain foods.
Invisalign
Invisalign treatment is made of a series of nearly invisible, custom-made removable aligners provided by your Harley Street orthodontist. Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth as you would normally do. Just remember to wear them at least 22 hours per day for the best results.
You can also remove them for special occasions, although very few people will notice that you are wearing them in the first place. Invisalign aligners are very comfortable because they do not involve any metal wires or brackets. However, Invisalign isn’t suitable for every patient and complex problems such as severely misaligned teeth will most likely require fixed metal braces.