Options for Adult Teeth Straightening
Orthodontists recommend the preparation for teeth straightening to start at about 7 years old. The actual correction of crooked teeth happens anytime from 8 to 14 years usually by wearing braces. Given the fact that not all children who have problems with crooked teeth will be able to avail of this option during this recommended time, the question of whether or not adults still have remaining options for teeth straightening arises.
Why Correct Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth or misaligned teeth is refereed to as malocclusion of teeth. This is when the teeth of the two dental arches do not meet correctly and thus either result to an overbite or under-bite. Malocclusion is fairly common among humans although the severity can greatly vary from a very minor misalignment which does not need treatment to extreme misalignment which requires surgery to correct.
Very few people have perfect alignment of teeth so minor cases do not necessitate any treatment. However, there are malocclusion cases that need to be addressed properly to reduce tooth decay risk and prevent excessive pressure on the temporo-mandibular joint or the jaw joint. Although most teeth alignment treatments are sought for dental cosmetic reasons, correction of the problem can also simultaneously resolve issues of pain and mastication or speech problems, and face distortion.
Causes of Crooked Teeth
There are various theories being offered for the occurrence of malocclusion of the teeth. One says that the consumption of processed food or soft food during childhood encourages underdevelopment of the jaw which results to a small jawline and overcrowding of teeth. This theory is strongly contradicted however by the fact that a narrow jaw and palate can exist at birth if genetics define it as such.
Aside from genetics that dictate the size of the jaw, crooked teeth may be caused by too early loss of baby or adult teeth, improper dental fillings or crowns, gum disease, jaw or mouth tumor, or facial injury resulting to misaligned jaw. Activities and actions that can influence the development of the face and dental arches such as thumb sucking, pacifier sucking, nail biting, pencil biting, and mouth breathing may also result to crooked teeth. Prolonged use of the bottle in children is also considered as a possible reason for misalignment of teeth.
Adult Teeth Straightening
Children with crooked teeth usually go through the same process of wearing braces and other dental appliance for a specific period of time. Those who have started in just the right time can expect to have finished their treatment before full adulthood. Adults who had to pass on the chance for teeth straightening during their childhood still have several options left.
The use of metal braces is still the most common. However, some adults may not welcome the thought of wearing obvious wires on their teeth and may still desire for more acceptable choices. A more subtle option is provided by ceramic braces with translucent brackets and latex ligatures. Since the material is not exactly clear, ceramic braces remain obvious to the view of people.
Self-ligating braces make use of clips to hold on to the wire thus eliminating the ligatures but it still is not an entirely invisible brace option. The lingual braces consist of brackets and metal wires which are sought to be hidden by being fitted in to the flipside of the patient’s bite. Its use may result to tongue discomfort and slur in speech. The latest option made available to adults is Invisalign which consists of clear, molded plastic teeth trays which are removed when eating. Many adults prefer this option because this is the closest to invisible and allows wearers to clean their teeth in the usual way since the teeth aligners can be removed. The extreme option is through orthognathic surgery which is a procedure intended to correct malocclusion problem related to skeletal issues.
My Say
There is a saying that we need not fix what is not broken in the first place so perfect alignment of teeth is not much very much sought after unless a person probably makes a living out of such perfection. Misalignment of teeth needs to be corrected if there are considerable cosmetic issues that are severely affecting a person’s self esteem or health issues that are affecting the quality of living of a person. Adults can be assured that it is not too late to seek teeth straightening procedures because of the many options available in the market.
erica
i’ll be having my dental braces on on the 28th 🙂 i love my crooked teeth so I’ll have them treated :))
Teresa Martinez
You’ll reap the benefits in no time, I’m sure.
Karen
Any denture services are expensive that’s why it’s much cheaper to take good care of your teeth…brush 3 x a day and visit your dentist for regular prophylaxis and check-up.
Teresa Martinez
You have very sound dental care tips although it may not be enough for orthodontic conditions that require more aggressive intervention.
Cai
I have aligned teeth but I still had braces because I had an overbite.
Teresa Martinez
Yes, that is right. Braces are also used to correct an overbite.
Tess Chancellor
ah,dental topic, what can I say as a Dentist……..Orthodontic treatment, the price range and length of treatment depends on the severity of malocclusion. If the parents or you can afford it go ahead. Sadly, Nowadays, people choose to buy expensive gadgets than going to the dentist for treatment or ortho braces.
Teresa Martinez
It is really a matter of priorities but it is always better to put well-being before new gadgets.
Gemma|My Dailies
I’ve had braces when I was in college! Years after, I’ve got braces again! Na miss ko ung pain e hahaha
Teresa Martinez
Really? I sure am curious why you had to go through it twice.
The City Roamer (@cityroamer)
if it will help in ones confidence, then go for teeth straightening. i don’t find anything wrong with that. i’m just blessed with a perfectly good set of teeth, but if i was in a condition where i need such procedure, i’d do it
Teresa Martinez
There is really nothing wrong in wanting to improve our appearance especially if it is needed and there are funds for it. For reasons of pure vanity, it is still acceptable as long as there are no necessities sacrificed to have it done.
Gagay
good enough (for me) that i have aligned teeth..however, i need to remove my two front teeth as per dentist’s advice.. 🙁 the roots were getting more damaged each day though it doesn’t showed any signs on the crown of the teeth..so now, i am using dentures.. 🙁 too bad!
Teresa Martinez
That is why dentists recommend a regular dental check-up every 6 months as some tooth problems do not readily manifest themselves during the early stages.
jo-ann
Is this what we called “sungki” in tagalog. My sister had that and her dentist put her on braces, now she has a nice teeth.
Teresa Martinez
I believe you are right. Braces can really correct alignment of teeth.
- Justin -
good thing I don’t have problem with mine.. most of my classmates are wearing braces now to fix their teeth..
Teresa Martinez
Some are luckier than others in having naturally aligned teeth.
Melandria Romero
i don’t have beautiful teeth and i guess it’s really expensive to get them beautiful 🙂 I never had the chance to wear braces even if i wanted too to correct my teeth , i guess that’s one thing i wish we have then, money, it’s always about it.
Teresa Martinez
The problem with our generation then was the unexpected effect of antibiotics on teeth and not much in alignment. This “wonder drug” which was supposed to be the cure-all for sickness during that time resulted to discolored teeth, among others.
sarah bagalay
Oh..if only I have enough kaching,i’d definitely have my teeth aligned.para kasing sa dinosaur.LOL
Teresa Martinez
The cost is really considerable so it is not easy to have it done even if a person wants to.
Donald Pagulong
sis, parang fashion statement na ngayon ang ganitong bagay, but I do agree that if it is for health reasons, dapat ipaayos ang crooked teeth.
Teresa Martinez
Some admittedly have it done to be “fashionably trendy” but those who are financially wise will not bother to do this. If any treatment is required to acquire a better of quality of life,it is best to pursue available options.
JayL Aquino | BLOG-PH.com
wow. one of the many benefits of technology! though sometimes i find “persons with crooked teeths” cute 😉
Teresa Martinez
Some people’s source of attraction is their physical imperfection.
Mary Jane Tauyan Fitzsimmons
may say is all of the above is very nice to know and very informative specially most people i know in philippines doesnt really care about their teeth at all. This is a good way to promote a good health for our teeth! xx
Teresa Martinez
Filipinos are generally still not as conscious of dental care as most dentists would like us to be although there are marked improvements observed especially among young parents who make it a point to take better care of their children’s teeth.
archie
Good thing I have fairly good set of teeth. I hope to keep this way. This reminds me to visit my dentist.
Teresa Martinez
You are quite fortunate. Not many people can claim such a positive thing.
Dust
Technically insightful. I have a sister who has awesome set of teeth but something wrong happened with one of them. So her dentist left her with no choice but to remove it. Good thing it can’t be clearly seen even when she smiles. 🙂
Teresa Martinez
Tooth extraction is the least favorite option even among dentists so there must be some good reason why your sister’s dentist recommended removal.
Yaniconquistadora (@YaniMetrado)
I’m happy that I do not need to undergo any of the procedures given above for I believe I have nice set of teeth (if not perfect).
Teresa Martinez
I really envy people like you who have been blessed with such advantage.
JUANderfulpinoy (@juanderfulpinoy)
Visit your friendly Dentist on a regular basis. I thank my Dentist for keeping my teeth healthy.
Teresa Martinez
Regular visits to the dentists can really save teeth. A good set of teeth is seldom an accident.
franckxethee
I was lucky enough to have straight teeth so only had to use a thin retainer just to reduce the gap in my two front teeth growing up. Of course, teeth straightening would be a viable option if there is a big disalignment.
Teresa Martinez
You are one the few lucky ones, saved you from considerable costs and headaches.
Rizza Javier (@beingwell20)
I remember I was “disciplined” enough at a very young age of 7 not to push (and play) with my teeth using my tongue. I always knew I wanted perfect teeth alignment. It worked!! 🙂
Teresa Martinez
Not many children will be disciplined as you were regarding teeth issues. Many would need the guidance of their parents especially in foregoing bad habits that may affect teeth alignment in the future.
rochkirstin
I’m not on my 7th month of wearing metal braces to align my teeth and in a couple of months, they will be replaced by retainers which my dentist said I should wear twice the duration of the time I wear braces.
Teresa Martinez
So you are expected to see the results of your “sacrifice” pretty soon…
Pal Raine
My eldest daughter had a crooked teeth. And she is scheduled to put braces on her teeth this March after her graduation in 6th grade.
Teresa Martinez
My son who is also in 6th grade also needs this treatment.
rona
I’m so thankful to have good and straight-aligned teeth when growing up. I think I got it from my dad. If ever my hopefully soon-to-be-kid will have problems with this, I’ll take note of your recommendations here on what’s best to do. Nice article! It’s my First time to have read this kind of very essential topic. Thanks!
Teresa Martinez
You are very fortunate to have naturally-aligned teeth!
Donald Pagulong
I may say, my family is bless to have an Orthodontist in the house. And she is too concern sa mga teeth ng teenage nieces and nephews ko. Sa akin, wala siyang paki, regular cleaning lang daw, kasi ilan na lang teeth ko. LOL
Teresa Martinez
Well she’s doing what she has long studied to do which is to take care of people’s teeth. The task becomes more personal when applied to the family.
Nova S
It is normal to feel uncomfortable with all the procedures however after all the pain you have it definitely gives you the satisfaction you aim to get.
Teresa Martinez
As often said: No pain, no gain! Nothing can be nearer to the truth.
Shengkay
that is why ingat na ingat ako sa teeth ng anak ko..pero 2 years old pa lang sya eh…so yung permanent teeth nya hindi pa lumalabas..sa baby teeth nya magaganda naman sila..
Teresa Martinez
My son had perfectly aligned baby teeth but the permanent teeth were far too big for his jaw to accommodate thus theybecame crooked.
Jennie
Unless the teeth misalignment is so pronounced and one needs to have a good set for a living, he or she can live with it. I myself have to put up with adult braces because of the damage my impacted wisdom tooth has done to my teeth. I was too scared to have it extracted when I was in my teenage years. I chose to discontinue my braces then. Turns out I had to go back to having them again, if I want to save my molars.
Chubskulit Rose
I think this is what I am going to do with my two litle ones as their permanent teethcame out a little crooked..
Teresa Martinez
It is great that we have access to such service if we need or want it.
rarejOnrez
A trip to the orthodontist or a dentist is always a saver for our teeth and gums! When there’s something that needs to be fixed, technology these days already have many options on how to fix it. This is a great and informative post!
Teresa Martinez
The good thing about advances in technology is that we are given more choices.
Mhie@travelentz
In my own understanding if you can afford it then do it, but I know in Asia, braces is mostly a status symbol unlike in US braces is a must when you have problem in your teeth and they starts at when they are in grade 10 to high school.
Teresa Martinez
Because of the high cost of braces, they do tend to be identified with the privileged and maybe used by some to display them as status symbol although I think not many will be willing to undergo the discomfort just for show unless there are “decorative braces” available.
msculit Ria C
I had worn orthodontic braces for 5 yrs. My teeth alignment and bite was very bad so it took that long to correct them. I am glad I went through the ordeal because my bite and alignment are both okay. It’s not easy to wear dental wires in your mouth but to save my jaw from grinding as well, I had to wear braces.
Reading your post relived the memories (painful at that) of wearing braces. However, it’s great info for those who have bite and alignment issues to consider orthodontics procedure.
Teresa Martinez
Sometimes, we really have to go through some discomfort and even pain to achieve something good for us.