Modern orthodontic treatment offers many more options than traditional metal braces to straighten teeth. The benefits of visiting an orthodontist at any age should not be underestimated. Improving your tooth alignment brings benefits that are far beyond the aesthetic.
By improving the alignment of your teeth you will reduce the hard-to-clean areas where dental plaque can build up. Plaque causes both gum disease and tooth decay, which are major causes of tooth loss, so as long as you practise effective brushing and flossing at home and visit your dentist and hygienist regularly, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing these conditions.
Numerous studies have linked gum disease to a range of general health conditions, from heart and lung disease to strokes and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, making improvements to your oral health can help your general health, too.
Northlight Dental in Milton Keynes offers a wide selection of discreet orthodontic treatments or adults, using either discreet, fixed braces or clear, removable aligners. Each system is better suited to different orthodontic circumstances, and your orthodontist will help you to choose the best appliance to suit your needs.
Removable aligners make it easy to maintain your oral hygiene during treatment, because all you need to do is to take them out for cleaning and to brush your teeth as normal, at least twice a day.
With fixed braces, a dental hygienist can teach you how to clean around them effectively. You will need to brush your teeth after every meal with a fixed appliance, to ensure there are no food particles trapped in the brace.
There are several fixed brace options available. Lingual braces are made from metal, but still won’t be noticed in everyday life because they are attached to the rear – or lingual – surfaces of the teeth. Tooth-coloured braces are made from clear ceramic brackets and tooth-coloured nickel-titanium wires, thus blend in well with the natural colour of your teeth.
Aligners fit comfortably over your teeth and guide them gently to a new position. Systems such as Invisalign involve the use of a series of aligners that progressively move your teeth. You change your aligner every fortnight.
