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Smiling is one of the greatest ways we express ourselves. So, if you’re unhappy with how your teeth look, you might find that it affects your self-esteem. And, research has found that crooked or missing teeth can affect your oral health too.
While braces have long been associated with teenage years, the good news is that anyone can benefit from teeth straightening treatment – and research shows that it’s becoming increasingly popular. According to The British Orthodontic Society, over three quarters (76%) of orthodontists have seen an increase in adult patients seeking teeth straightening treatment. Plus, with so many options available these days, you could have your dream smile sooner than you think.
With that said, we’ve partnered with Total Orthodontics, part of Bupa, to explore why more people over 50 are turning to teeth straightening. Total Orthodontics are a group of over 25 practices across the UK led by specialist orthodontists with a passion for creating confident smiles.
With over 25 years experience straightening smiles, Total Orthodontics offer a wide range of treatments – from discreet Invisalign aligners to fixed braces and cosmetic teeth straightening.
What does teeth straightening involve?
Teeth straightening, also known as orthodontics, involves wearing devices to fix teeth-related issues such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, or gaps between teeth.
There are several different types of braces, including fixed metal braces, removable aligners, and removable metal braces. Braces work by applying gentle pressure to teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. Following treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer (first full-time and then usually just at night) to keep your straight teeth in place.
Many people associate braces with teenagers, but they can be used at any age. If you had braces when you were younger but your teeth have shifted due to not wearing a retainer, it’s also possible to have treatment again. Total Orthodontics are passionate about helping people of all ages achieve their dream smile.
Treatment length depends on several factors, including the type of braces you have and how extensive your needs are. Some treatments can take as little as four months, while other more complex treatments can last anywhere between 18 and 24 months. It’s normal to experience some discomfort when braces are fitted and adjusted, but this should only be temporary.
Total Orthodontics offers free, no-obligation consultations for teeth straightening so you can discuss your options before committing to any treatment.
What types of braces are there?
There are a range of orthodontic treatments available, from fixed braces to clear aligners. The right one for you will depend on your clinical needs and personal preferences.
We’ll cover the different types of teeth straightening treatments below.
Clear, removable aligners
Clear aligners are made from thin, transparent plastic, which makes them virtually invisible. They look similar to retainers and mouth guards, and are moulded to the shape of your teeth for a precise, comfortable fit.
Clear aligners can be used to correct a variety of concerns, including gaps between teeth, minor crowding, and, in some cases, bite concerns such as overlapping teeth or overbite issues. The main draw of clear aligners is that they’re discreet and allow you to straighten your smile without others noticing. Many people find them to be more comfortable than traditional braces too. They’re also removable, which means you don’t have to avoid foods which could damage your braces – and it’s easy to reach all areas of your teeth when brushing and flossing.
To be fully effective, clear aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day, which means you can remove them for eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth. Your aligner will be changed every week or so as your teeth adapt and change.
Some people with clear aligners may also need temporary attachments added to their teeth, known as engagers. These are tiny tooth-coloured bumps that help to make sure your aligners are creating pressure on the correct area of your tooth.
There are a range of clear aligners available, including the increasingly popular Invisalign system. Depending on your needs, Invisalign can offer results in as little as six months. The right option for you will depend on your clinical needs and your dentist or orthodontist’s recommendations.
You can find out more about clear aligners on Total Orthodontics’ website.
Fixed braces
Fixed braces, also known as train track braces, are one of the best-known teeth straightening options.
Consisting of small brackets attached to each tooth and joined together by a wire, fixed braces apply gentle pressure, gradually moving your teeth into the desired position. Your dentist or orthodontist will check and adjust your braces every four to 10 weeks, and may tighten or change wires to keep teeth moving in the right direction.
In some cases, elastic bands or coil springs may also be used during treatment. Elastic bands can improve bite issues while coil string can help to close gaps or increase space between teeth. As well as traditional metal braces, there are other, more discreet, fixed brace options, including lingual braces, Damon braces, and ceramic braces.
Fixed braces can treat various issues and are often recommended for more complex cases, including extensive overcrowding, deep overbites, and abnormal eruptions of teeth. They’re popular for their predictable results as they move teeth in a precise manner. And, unlike removable braces, treatment can’t be interrupted by taking them out for long periods of time.
Fixed braces are often used in NHS orthodontics but are also available privately.
Cosmetic teeth straightening
Cosmetic teeth straightening, also known as short-term orthodontics, focuses on straightening the six upper or lower teeth only.
Because cosmetic teeth straightening focuses on the front teeth, it’s only suitable for those who are looking for a quick cosmetic result – for example, issues such as minor crowding or misalignment. The length of time needed to straighten your teeth depends on how much movement is needed, but cosmetic teeth straightening can take as little as six months.
There are a range of cosmetic teeth straightening treatment options available, depending on your clinical needs and preferences. This includes clear, removable aligners and discreet fixed braces.
You can read more about the different types of braces on the Total Orthodontics website.
How much does teeth straightening cost?
Orthodontic treatment is available on the NHS for children under 18 if a dentist feels they need it. NHS orthodontic treatment isn’t usually available for adults, but is sometimes approved on a case-by-case basis if needed for health purposes. This means that most people will have to pay for teeth straightening treatments.
The cost of treatment varies depending on several factors, including the type of braces or aligners you have and the complexity of your needs. However, according to Total Orthodontics, pricing for adult fixed braces and adult Invisalign treatment begins at £3,849 and £2,700, respectively. You can find out more about treatment prices on the Total Orthodontics website.
Total Orthodontics believes that everyone deserves to feel confident about their smile and so offers a range of payment options to help make treatment more accessible. Plus, their honest and transparent pricing means there won’t be any unexpected costs along the way.
This includes the option to spread the cost of your treatment, with 0% finance available on teeth straightening treatments including clear aligners and fixed braces, your dream smile is even more accessible. You can use Total Orthodontics’ repayment examples to get an estimate of what your repayment options might be.
If you’d like to get an estimate of what your orthodontic treatment may cost, visit the Total Orthodontics website. Or, for a more accurate quote, book a free consultation.
Head over to Total Orthodontics’ website to find out more about the cost of braces.
Why straighten your teeth later in life?
Braces do work faster on children and teenagers whose jawbones are still developing. However, while it takes longer to straighten adult teeth because bones are more solid, our teeth continue to shift as we age, which means there’s never an age when braces won’t work.
There are several benefits to having your teeth straightened over 50 and research shows that it’s becoming increasingly popular – with over three quarters (76%) of orthodontists seeing an increase in adult patients seeking treatment.
Most adults who get braces do so for cosmetic reasons – and research has found that correcting crooked teeth can significantly improve people’s confidence and self-esteem. In this study, orthodontic treatment was found to significantly increase self-esteem and also improved patients’ quality of life.
However, braces can be beneficial for oral health too. Firstly, straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain with daily flossing and brushing. Clinical studies have found that crooked teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay because food and sugars can become more easily trapped in them. Tooth decay has been found to increase the risk of gum disease, and, if left untreated, negatively impact overall health.
In some cases, crooked teeth can also cause jaw pain or prevent people from closing their mouth correctly. Plus, when accompanied by biting problems, this can also cause enamel to wear away. So, having them straightened can help to reduce the risk of flat, worn, or chipped teeth or damage to other treatments, such as fillings or dental crowns.
As a result, this study found that 53% of people reported significant improvements in their oral health and quality of life after having orthodontic treatment.
If you’re considering orthodontics, you might like to hear first-hand the experiences of other patients. You can watch the video below to hear about Amy’s experience of having braces. Total Orthodontics also has a collection of before and after photos available on their website.
Final thoughts…
Braces are often linked with children and teenagers, but teeth straightening is available at any age and has become increasingly popular among adults in recent years. Having your dream smile doesn’t only boost confidence, but we know from research that it can improve oral health too. Plus, with various options available, treatment can be easy, quick, and discreet.
To find out more about teeth straightening treatments and whether they might be right for you, head over to the Total Orthodontics.
Have you got any experience of teeth straightening? Is it something you’re considering? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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