Is it too late for adult braces?

In this day and age, there are so many ways for you to get the perfect smile. One of the most popular at the moment is Invisalign – but what about the tried-and-true method of braces? If you’ve been wondering if choosing adult braces is the right choice for you, this blog covers the primary differences between these two options – traditional and contemporary – as well as what you can expect from each.

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First things first: why do adults need braces?

Braces have come a long, long way from when you might remember them as a kid. Now that they are far less visible, less cumbersome, and easier to live comfortably with day-to-day, adults who are in need of dental corrections are choosing more frequently to return to the idea of braces before the risk of significant tooth damage.

This is an important choice to make, because the danger of misaligned teeth and jaws can lead to:

  • premature wear and tear
  • cavities or tooth decay
  • gum disease and
  • the potential of dentures or costly surgery to fix serious issues

Conversely, if you choose to opt for adult braces, they can help with:

  • correcting crooked or misaligned teeth
  • addressing over, under, and crossbite issues
  • closing gaps between teeth
  • improving oral health by making teeth easier to clean
  • enhancing overall appearance and self-confidence

What’s the difference between adult braces and Invisalign?

Invisalign

If you’re hesitant about the idea of wearing metal braces to straighten your teeth, there’s no need to worry – Invisalign offers an easy solution that utilises custom-made, nearly invisible clear trays that are used to gradually shift your teeth into the right position.

This innovative dental apparatus is growing especially popular among adults who don’t want to draw attention to their dental work or to not worry about the appearance of braces, allowing them to feel more confident and at ease in social situations. With Invisalign, this can lead to a significant boost in your self-esteem and general confidence.

Benefits of Invisalign?

  • Transparent appearance
  • Tailored comfort
  • Completely removable
  • Easy to clean
  • No-fuss eating
  • Faster outcomes in as little as 6 months
  • Enhanced oral hygiene
  • Crisper speech
  • Reduced appointments
  • Flexible treatment

Process of Invisalign Application

  1. Our iTero® ElementTM system quickly and painlessly scans your teeth in 3D, avoiding the discomfort of traditional moulds.
  2. In just a few minutes, we create a simulation of how your teeth will look before you begin treatment.
  3. As you wear Invisalign, we’ll book regular check-ups to see how your new smile is coming along.

Cost of Invisalign

Invisalign can cost starting from $3,500, which can make it even more affordable than braces in certain cases. You can reach out to our team and we’ll be able to give you a more accurate quote depending on the condition of your teeth and what needs to be remedied.

Traditional Adult Braces

Braces are the more tried-and-true (which we prefer to ‘old-fashioned’) method, using combination of metal or ceramic brackets, wires, and small o-ring elastics to gradually move teeth into the correct position.

But no matter how long braces have been around, they are still a trusted and effective method for aligning teeth, and are especially useful for patients with complex dental issues.

Although they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as clear aligners like Invisalign, braces are still highly popular among both children and adults, since their ever-lasting affordability, durability, and need for less self-discipline than Invisalign (since they cannot be removed) makes them ideal for people with significant dental problems.

Benefit of Adult Braces

  • Durable
  • Cost-Effective
  • Predictable results
  • Customisable colours
  • Potentially faster results as they cannot be removed
  • Comprehensive solution for complex orthodontic issues

Process of Braces Application

  1. Our dental team begins your orthodontic treatment by attaching brackets to your teeth using strong glue. They then connect the brackets with wire and elastic rings.
  2. The braces gently move teeth into the right place by applying pressure to each tooth once they are in place.
  3. During your orthodontic treatment, your braces will stay in place and the wires will be adjusted or replaced regularly.

Traditional Braces Cost

Typically, the cost of braces can be anywhere between $3,000 to $9,000 depending on the extent of your dental condition. Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, but the exact amount will depend on your specific policy.

Are adult braces worth it?

Absolutely! As we’ve made clear, adult braces are nothing if not one of the most surefire ways to straighten your teeth, boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and prevent the severe issues of tooth decay and other oral health problems. Whether you’re looking to fix your crooked teeth, improve your jaw alignment, or even stop snoring, adult braces are the way to go.

As you might probably expect, getting braces as an adult can definitely be a challenge for some. But you don’t have to worry – our trusted orthodontists are highly skilled and experienced, and will work with you to overcome any obstacles and ensure you get the smile you’ve always deserved.

Choosing Underwood Dental Care for your adult braces services

Underwood Dental Care is Brisbane’s most modern dental clinic, offering effective and compassionate dental services for people across Logan, Underwood, and beyond. Our friendly and skilled dental team provides different orthodontic options like metal, clear, and Invisalign braces to help you achieve your dream smile. We also offer flexible payment options and accept all major health funds.

Apart from braces, we offer other dental treatments like dental implants, teeth whitening, fillings, wisdom teeth removal, and more! We understand that visiting the dentist can be scary, but you don’t need to worry about that at Underwood Dental Care. Our clinic is designed to make you feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving treatment.

So, if you’re looking for a dental clinic that provides quality dental care in a soothing and friendly atmosphere, visit Underwood Dental Care today and start your journey towards achieving a perfect smile!

Book a Smile Consult

We’re Moving!

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EXCITING NEWS

we are moving!

From Monday 20th December, we will be operating out of our new location as a soft opening before the Christmas closure. Stay tuned for details of a grand opening fun day in January 2022!
You will find us at 1 Springwood Road, Underwood – on the corner of Logan and Springwood Roads, across from the Logan library and pool.

Please note that we will be closed from 1:00pm on Friday 24th December and re-opening again on Tuesday 4th January in the new year.

AND A BIG WELCOME TO …

Kim Tran

oral health therapist

In January 2022, we will have the privilege of welcoming Kim Tran, our Oral Health Therapist to the team at Underwood Dental Care.Kim’s role is to work closely with Dr Ben to ensure all his patients are provided with comprehensive dental care and oral health education. Over the years, Dr Ben has worked hard to get his loyal patients to a maintenance level, and Kim’s role is exactly that – to spend the time to ensure all our wonderful patients’ teeth and gums are always in top condition. Dr Ben and our team of dentists will still oversee treatment plans, and any dental treatment should it be required.

Kim graduated from University of QLD in the same cohort as Dr Ben and has undertaken post graduate studies at the University of Sydney to expand her skills in adult restorative procedures. Having worked in private practice in the South-Western suburbs of Brisbane, she brings with her a wealth of experience that includes but is not limited to maintenance and preventative dentistry, and routine restorative procedures. Kim also enjoys looking after our younger patients, having two young boys herself, and caring for the oral health of our future generations.

Outside of dentistry, Kim enjoys cycling, cooking, and spending time with her young family. Kim is bilingual and is fluent in English and Vietnamese.

That’s a wrap

The team at Underwood Dental Care would like to thank
all our wonderful patients for all their support during
what has been a difficult year.

We wish you all a very merry and blessed Christmas,
and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! 💕

Surprising Foods That Are Actually Good For Your Oral Health

Oral health

Good oral health care isn’t just brushing and flossing your teeth. A proper diet also contributes to good oral health.

Many foods actually help to reduce the harmful bacteria in your mouth, help to cleanse teeth and stimulate saliva production which reduces acids that harm your teeth.  Saliva also restores minerals in your mouth that protect teeth.

Here are several foods that help your teeth and gums stay healthy!

 

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Did you know, raw veggies and fresh fruits fight to reduce nasty plaque, clean your teeth and strengthen gums?

Plaque is a sticky substance that forms a film on your teeth which harbours bacteria, producing acids that will gradually eat away at your teeth. If it builds up, it can even lead to gum disease and cavities.

The best fresh fruits and vegetables are those that are firm and crunchy, such as apples, carrots, celery and cucumbers. Each of these contains fibre which scrubs your teeth as you bite and chew. Other helpful vegetables include those with a high water content, such as lettuce, spinach and other greens.

Citrus fruits also promote oral health. Although they’re acidic, the high amount of vitamin C helps to reduce inflammation and strengthens gums. In addition, fruits and vegetables with high amounts of vitamin A help to build and maintain tooth enamel.

 

Water!

Water washes away food particles and bacteria that harm teeth. Staying hydrated is also important, as when you become dehydrated, your saliva thickens and becomes less effective in keeping bacteria at bay.

Make sure to rinse with water after drinking coffee, tea or other beverages that can stain teeth as well, and you’ll be able to keep your pearly whites whiter!  An added benefit is that water doesn’t have sugar or calories, so you unlike sugary sodas, you won’t have to worry about developing cavities or gaining weight.

 

Cheese

Cheese and other dairy products are rich in bone-building vitamins and minerals that also help teeth. Casein, a protein found in cheese, even repairs tooth enamel.

Some people eat cheese at the end of a meal with dessert, or instead of dessert, which also has hidden benefits – the alkali in cheese can help to neutralise the acids from the meal. Hard cheeses like cheddar are the highest in alkalis, and they also require more chewing, which stimulates the production of saliva and cleanses the mouth.

At Underwood Dental Care we’re dedicated to providing a full range of dental services to our customers. We help you learn about good oral hygiene through diet, developing good habits and having regular dental care. Our services include orthodontics, crowns and bridges, fillings and children’s dentistry.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call us today on 07 3341 9770.

Can I Keep My Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth

The third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the last to grow of all 32 adult teeth. These molars grow at the back of the upper and lower jaws behind the other existing adult teeth. They are called “wisdom teeth”, as they typically appear when people are thought to have become wiser with experience and age.

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