Adult Braces: Is it ever too late?

With so many new and improved ways to achieve the perfect smile (like Invisalign) you may be wondering if getting adult braces is a smart choice. This blog will cover the key differences between new and traditional options and how it all works. Let’s go!

Jump to:

Why would an adult need braces?

Now that braces have become less bulky and visible, more adults are keen to correct dental problems before they cause severe or further damage. While you may want to improve your physical appearance, it’s important to note that “cosmetic” problems can cause real damage over time.

Misaligned teeth and jaws can lead to;

  • premature wear and tear;
  • cavities or tooth decay;
  • gum disease and;
  • might even warrant dentures or costly surgery to fix serious issues.

Overall, braces for adults may help a number of things, including:

  • Correcting crooked or misaligned teeth
  • Addressing bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
  • Closing gaps between teeth
  • Improving oral health by making teeth easier to clean
  • Enhancing overall appearance and self-confidence

The difference between Invisalign & traditional adult braces

Invisalign: The Clear Choice

If even the thought of wearing old-school metal braces makes you cringe, Invisalign might be your ideal smile solution. Invisalign uses clear, custom-made trays to gradually straighten teeth. These trays are virtually invisible, making them a popular and discreet option for adults who want to straighten their smile without drawing attention.

For many patients, this means feeling more confident and less anxious in social situations. You can speak and smile without worrying that others are noticing your adult braces.

Benefit Breakdown:

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

Invisalign process

  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

Starting from only $3,500, our Invisalign packages can end up being more affordable than braces for some cases. Reach out to our experienced and gentle dentists for a personalised treatment plan today!

Traditional Braces: Tried and True

Traditional braces use metal or ceramic brackets, wires and tiny o-ring elastics to align your teeth gradually.

While they may not be as visually appealing as Invisalign, they are still widely popular for adults and children alike. This is because they are generally affordable and highly effective, especially for complicated orthodontic problems.

They also require less discipline since you can’t remove them, which can benefit patients who struggle to remember to wear invisible aligners consistently.

Benefit Breakdown:

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

Traditional braces process

  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.

Cost of traditional braces

Typically, braces in Brisbane cost between $3,000 and $9,000. Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, but the extent depends on your specific policy.

At Maudsland and Underwood Dental Care, we provide a range of payment plans and accept all major health funds to ease any financial stress.

Are adult braces worth it?

Definitely! Adult braces not only straighten your teeth, boost confidence, and enhance your appearance but also help prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. Whether you want a straighter smile, better jaw alignment, or even fix snoring issues, adult braces are the definition of short-term pain for long-term gain.

Getting braces as an adult may pose some challenges. However, our trusted orthodontists at Maudsland and Underwood Dental Care are highly skilled and experienced, ensuring you can overcome any obstacles to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. 

Maudsland Dental Care services

Maudsland Dental Care is a locally-owned dental practice dedicated to your oral health and happiness. We aim to provide patients of all ages with a gentle and comfortable experience in our modern, family-friendly environment.

Our team of professionals strives to make your visit enjoyable using advanced equipment and expert skills. We’re proud to offer comprehensive dental services, including Invisalign, orthodontics, dental implants, teeth whitening, fillings, wisdom teeth and more!

We believe in affordable dental care and offer interest-free patient payment plans. Our on-site Hicaps facilities ensure you can make immediate claims from your private health fund.

Underwood Dental Care Services

Underwood Dental Care offers effective, gentle dental services in a comfortable, modern clinic. Our skilled dental team offers orthodontic treatments like metal, clear, and Invisalign braces to clients in Brisbane, Logan, and Underwood. We also offer smile now, pay later options and accept all major health funds.

Our other treatment options include dental implants, teeth whitening, fillings, wisdom teeth and more! It’s never too late to achieve your dream smile. Say goodbye to the age-old stereotype of scary dental drills and harsh fluorescent lighting, and hello to the soothing atmosphere of Underwood Dental Care!

Start your adult braces journey today.

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.

What Is Gingivitis and How Can You Prevent It?

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky, colourless film that coats the teeth and gums after eating and drinking that acts as a home for bacteria to grow. When there is too much bacteria in your mouth, it can cause an infection of the gums, known as gingivitis.

Continue reading