Am I Too Old for Braces?

The short answer to the question of, ‘am I too old for braces?’ is simply, no! At MSC, age is never an issue and it’s never too late to get braces. MSC have patients in their 50’s and 60’s who are benefiting from wearing braces to correct the position of their teeth with great success. Our dentists at MSC know how important a great smile is to the way you view yourself.

Patients at MSC have different reasons for wanting to have this treatment. It might be a family occasion such as a wedding, having professional or corporate photographs taken or simply just wanting to correct the position of your teeth. Invisible braces are a popular option for patients and are a great option to help fix dental problems such as overcrowding or misaligned teeth. These issues can have a negative impact on your mental well-being. If you dislike your teeth or have the urge to hide your smile in photos or when meeting friends, this can contribute to low levels of self-confidence, low self-esteem, stress and being self-conscious. At MSC, we offer invisible braces as treatment to improve your smile so you feel confident and proud of your teeth, your smile and your overall appearance. 

What Do You Think of When Imagining Braces? 

You might picture the traditional fixed metal braces which have been mainly worn by teenagers. These types of braces have been well used to straighten teeth over the years but as technology has progressed, so have braces. Dental orthodontics now offer the option of using invisible braces to help straighten teeth. These are clear and colourless which keeps your smile looking great and ensures you feel confident about wearing them. They blend in with your teeth and smile, eliminating that ‘metal mouth’ appearance associated with the fixed braces. 

How do Invisible Braces Work for Adults? 

Braces are designed to move teeth by applying tension to help move them slowly in the desired direction.  Any bone in the way gets reabsorbed by the body and new bone forms behind the tooth to keep it securely in place. New bone can form at any age which is why invisible braces are suitable for all to wear. So, if you are considering braces to correct a problem like misaligned or crooked teeth invisible braces are a great option.

Advantages of Invisible Braces

One of the advantages of choosing invisible braces is that they reduce the likelihood of other problems developing such as plaque and gum disease. Fixed metal braces can be hard to clean and requires a strict dental routine to keep teeth clean that can be time consuming but invisible braces eliminates this. It’s important to note however, that invisible braces and your teeth both still require thorough cleaning to maintain oral hygiene. Adults also have a higher level of success over a longer period of time than younger patients when using invisible braces. This is down to several factors, the financial cost and a willingness to comply with the treatment. Part of having this kind of dental procedure includes patients wearing a retainer long after the brace comes off.  It is just as important to wear a retainer as wearing the brace itself. Newly moved teeth can easily move back into their original place and the retainer helps to keep the newly positioned teeth in place.

Fact:

Nationally speaking, UK private spending on improving teeth sharply increased reaching £1.86bn in 2014 with 3 in 10 adults unhappy about the appearance of their teeth. The rising trend of make-over shows and the influence of celebrities are both factors in of people becoming more interested and pre-occupied by the condition and appearance of their teeth.

Orthodontics at Midlands Smile Centres

Our dentists at MSC are highly trained and experienced in providing orthodontic treatment. If you’re looking to improve your smile, whether it’s cosmetically or for health reasons, we can help. Book a consultation today to find out more.

Why You Should Get Regular Dental Check-Ups

When was the last time you had a regular dental appointment? Following the given advice of having a check-up every six months has a lot of benefits for your pearly whites. A regular check-up will normally include;

1.      An examination over your oral hygiene and overall health of your gum and teeth.

2.      Spotting any problems with your teeth such as cavities or gum disease and obtaining relevant and successful treatment.

3.      Checking on the condition of your gums.

4.      Removing build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth.

5.      Receiving professional dental advice on your brushing and flossing techniques.

6.      Time to ask any questions you may have relating to the effects of diet, alcohol and smoking on your teeth.

7.      Reporting any dental problems you may have had since your last appointment.

What if there is a problem with my teeth?

Nobody wants to endure things like toothache, nerve pain, build-up of plaque or bad breath.  Midlands Smile Centres offer several dental treatments to alleviate problems like these found during a routine check-up. These include:

1       Fillings – these are used by dentists to remedy decaying teeth. There are three different types of filling; composite/white fillings, metal fillings and dental restorations.

2       Orthodontic Treatment – this involves a brace being fitted to correct crooked teeth or the bite of the patient.  The different types of braces used include Damon braces, Invisalign braces and Six Month Smiles.

3       Hygienist Treatment - this is a scale and polish treatment for your teeth. This type of treatment helps to minimise tooth decay, gum disease and tooth wear.

4       Oral Surgery (extractions) – an example of this is the removal of wisdom teeth that may cause discomfort or to address overcrowding if there are too many teeth.

Ignoring a problem with our teeth is likely to lead to further problems if left untreated.  Be sure to book an appointment with your dentist for regular dental check-ups to keep your teeth and oral hygiene in good condition. You can book a dental check-up at your local dentist in Birmingham online.

Top tips for improving your dental health

The Do’s:

1.      Brush your teeth on a regular basis. The advice given for daily bushing is twice a day however, brushing in between meals would give your teeth an extra boost of protection and will lead to better oral hygiene.

2.      Use an electric toothbrush. Whilst brushing with a regular toothbrush using the correct technique can keep your teeth clean, using an electric toothbrush gives a more effective clean. The smaller brush head gets into the harder to reach back teeth to keep them healthy and in good condition.

3.      Brush your tongue. Doing this this reaps many benefits such as improving your oral hygiene, which is the result of the amount of bacteria inside your mouth. It can also make your breath smell minty fresh and feel cleaner.

4.      Have necessary treatments advised by your dentist. This is key to keeping your teeth happy and healthy.

5.      Eat foods that are beneficial to keep your teeth strong. Products that are high in calcium are particularly beneficial, such as cheese and yoghurt. Some fruits, such as strawberries, can also be beneficial for your dental health.

6.      Chew sugar free gum. Chewing sugar free gum helps your oral health by encouraging production of saliva in your mouth, which then neutralises the acidity on your teeth which would otherwise cause problems such as cavities and bad breath.

7.      Use dental products such as floss and mouthwash. Including these in your daily oral hygiene routine will minimise dental problems developing. Flossing is an extremely useful technique because it removes food from places in your mouth that regular brushing can’t, and it can also help to remove plaque.  Mouthwash is another dental product you can use to rinse out trapped food, which also helps to eliminate bad breath and the build-up of tartar. 

If you would like to know more about your dental health, contact your local Midlands Smile Centre today