You're Never Too Old to Straighten Your Teeth
By Jennifer Wright
Fifty years ago perfect teeth were considered a rare feature. They belonged to a select, genetically blessed few who could showcase them with blinding smiles. And as for those with less than perfect teeth? Well, aside from some extremely uncomfortable braces, there wasn’t much they could do.
Today perfect teeth can be had by all. Possessing them not only boosts confidence for many people but, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, “Straight teeth help individuals bite, chew, and speak …. . . properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems, [and] straight teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease, and injury.”
Certainly the benefits of having great teeth are numerous, but for those of us well past our teenage years the notion of suffering through a mouth full of metal often seems too high a price to pay—regardless of how dazzling the end result might be. Fortunately the newer procedures available to today’s adults are not as intrusive as some of the techniques still used for the younger set—and a perfect smile can be achieved without having to look as though you’re midway through junior high.
Self-ligating braces are low-friction braces that help readjust tooth placement with very light, continuous force. Unlike traditional braces they do not require any elastic bands. Makers of self-ligating braces note that “elastic bands can cause friction and slow down treatment time.” Self-ligating braces are held in place by a clip that holds the arch wire (a wire conforming to the dental arch) in place. These braces not only require fewer check-ups but can also reposition your teeth more quickly than regular braces—hooray! They are available in a ceramic material that blends with the color of your teeth and makes them less noticeable, as well as in the traditional metal. Additionally, the gentle pressure means they can help treat cases that would normally require extraction—without extracting any teeth.
If tooth extraction is a concern you might also want to consider temporary anchorage devices, commonly called TADs. The two primary types of TADs are miniscrews and miniplates, which are placed into the bone and are frequently used when multiple teeth need to be moved. TADS resist up to 250 grams of force, which is sufficient to move two to three teeth simultaneously or to support molar stabilization. In the past dentists have had to use other teeth as anchors, which can lead to unwanted side effects. Another benefit is that TADs are temporary rather than permanent. Perhaps best of all, though, the procedure is said to be practically painless.
Still quite popular in orthodontic treatments is the trademark process Invisalign. In many ways Invisalign is similar to a retainer. The appliance is made of transparent plastic—so no one should notice it—and is removable, which means you don’t have to worry about food or plaque getting trapped as sometimes happens with traditional metal braces. It also means that foods typically forbidden to those wearing braces, such as popcorn and crunchy foods like apples, are still on the menu.
As it is made of plastic, with no wires or metal involved, it is less likely to cause abrasions in your mouth than braces are. While you might initially have some speech difficulties, you can take Invisalign out for social occasions if you feel particularly irritated or impeded by it. The treatment typically takes about as long as wearing old-fashioned braces, which can range from a few months to a few years, though it can take longer if you frequently remove the appliance. However, you may begin seeing changes very early in the process, and visits to your doctor may be needed as infrequently as every six weeks.
A more traditional option is available in the form of lingual braces. They function in exactly the same manner as regular braces; however, instead of being prominently displayed they are hidden behind the teeth. These braces are completely out of sight when you smile. Unlike standard braces, lingual braces require having a separate bracket made to fit the back of each of your teeth. Therefore they tend to cost a bit more than traditional braces. This type of braces may take some getting used to, though. For the first few weeks you may have some problems eating and swallowing. Unfortunately, as lingual braces are not removable, you run the risk of having food caught in them and excessive plaque buildup. Preventing this will require being extra careful about brushing habits. Unlike a wearer of traditional braces, you may not necessarily be aware of this buildup as you will not see the braces.
If you are not concerned about straightening or extracting your teeth so much as about correcting any gaps between them, resin bonding may prove a welcome alternative to braces. This technique entails applying a composite resin to teeth to reshape them. The resin can be almost perfectly matched to your tooth color and should be completely indiscernible. This technique can eliminate minor gaps between teeth. Additionally, the process only takes 90 minutes, whereas using braces to realign teeth to eliminate gaps could take many months, or even years. The resin bonding treatment can also be beneficial to anyone whose teeth have decayed from tooth grinding or for those who wish to temporarily alter the shape of their teeth.
Veneers, however, may provide a better solution than resin bonding if you wish to permanently reshape and improve the appearance of your teeth. Thin porcelain or ceramic veneers can mask discoloration, gaps, or chips and give your teeth a uniform, white appearance. They are not to be confused with old-fashioned caps, which tended to make teeth look a little
boxier than one might like. Modern veneers can be applied in lieu of replacing your old bridgework and can even help correct tooth stains made by tetracycline (an antibiotic used to fight bacteria). As they are made from translucent material, no one should ever know that you are wearing veneers. They’re stain resistant, as well, so you won’t have to worry about their losing any of their luster! Of course, getting veneers for all 32 teeth can be a considerable investment. The cost of veneers can be cut down considerably if you only apply them to teeth that are most visible when you smile or talk—which may be around 8 or 10.
Hopefully some of these tips will help anyone who wishes to obtain a brighter, more perfect set of teeth. You might feel lucky to live in an age when technology has made perfect smiles available to everyone and to live in a town where dentists and orthodontists are available to practice any of these treatments. Whether or not you’re looking to enhance your own pearly whites, these innovative technologies are bringing better teeth to a wide variety of people—and that’s something to smile about.
Jennifer Wright is a freelance writer with a lovely smile—thanks to four years of braces. Paying for Orthodontic Procedures
Insurance
The first step when planning to have an orthodontic procedure is to review what is offered under your current dental plan. While not all cover orthodontia, there are good dental insurance and dental discount plans available that can help to offset the costs (the amount covered varies from plan to plan, but typically does not exceed 50 percent—and it is rarely paid in full). If your current health insurance offers little or no coverage for orthodontia it is worthwhile to invest some time in researching other plans. In addition to reviewing coverage, also consider premium, copay, deductibles, and exclusions. Keep in mind that your orthodontist may accept only certain plans. Check with your doctor for specific recommendations.
Services often covered by dental insurance include:
- Replacement of existing veneers (if proved to be deteriorating)
- Braces (usually an optional coverage you can elect when signing up for a plan)
- Procedures to repair chipped or damaged front teeth
- Procedures needed to repair teeth after an injury
Services that are considered cosmetic and are not typically covered include:
- Veneers for the sake of improving appearance
- Tooth whitening
- Some bonding
Flexible Spending Accounts
Medical savings accounts and health savings accounts are offered through most employers. They are designed to enable participants to set aside a portion of their earnings as pretax dollars to pay for the portion of out-of-pocket dental and medical expenses that is not covered by insurance. By planning your procedure in advance, your orthodontist should be able to provide you with an estimated cost, allowing you to anticipate your expenses for the year.
Payment Plans
A majority of orthodontic providers offer personalized payment plans that are available through their individual offices. These may be payment option packages that are set up and handled strictly within their practice or plans provided through outside financing sources such as CareCredit, Dental Fee Plan, Unicorn Financial, or Wells Fargo. When considering these plans, be cautious of hidden fees and high interest rates. Most of these companies offer an array of plans and credit limits that can suit almost every need. Shop around to find out which plan works best for you.
Tooth Care through Time
Not everyone had so many options. Consider these tooth care treatments from the past.
7000 BC: Primitive people in India and Pakistan used dental drills made of flint.
5000 BC: Clay tablets from Sumeria record the belief that dental decay and toothache were caused by the gnawing away of the tooth by a minute worm. The belief persists into the 17th century as physicians continue trying to extract worms from teeth.
Second century: Greek physician Galen recommends removing decaying portions of teeth with a file, then cauterizing them with a hot iron.
11th century: Gilbertus Angelicus advises whitening teeth by rubbing them with a sharp linen cloth until the gums bleed, then ingesting marjoram, mint, and pellitory.
18th century: Dentists extract teeth by hammering on them to loosen them, then using an instrument to pull them out sideways. Patients have to lie on the floor of the dentist’s office, as reclining dental chairs are not developed until the next century.
1728: First prototype for braces developed by Pierre Fauchard, often called the father of modern dentistry. He goes on to publish The Surgeon Dentist, which is said to be the first complete scientific treatise on dentistry.
How Orthodontia Has Changed in the Past 50 Years
Orthodontia in 1958
- The only option is thick braces made of metal.
- Braces were primarily used on children and teenagers.
- Braces bonded with cement that could leave permanent stains on the teeth.
- Arch wires for braces are made of nickel, silver, and gold.
- Dentists were apt to extract teeth rather than trying to correct problems with them, which could cause other teeth to shift position.
- Debate rages over whether tonsils should be pulled as a preventive measure.
- Power chains, which are attached to braces, are the only option for closing gaps between teeth.
- Braces wearers were warned to avoid playing sports.
Orthodontia Today
- There is an abundance of options.
- Orthodontic procedures are practiced on patients of all ages.
- The bonded bracket used today leaves no stain on the teeth and allows most of the tooth to remain uncovered.
- Arch wires are made of titanium and stainless steel.
- Worries about the damage this poses to the surrounding teeth and jaw causes dentists to try harder to keep teeth by expanding surrounding area.
- The same debate goes on regarding wisdom teeth today.
- Popular resin bonding and veneers help provide alternatives (though power chains are still used to prevent overcrowding).
- Orthodontic mouth-guards are developed to allow people wearing braces to continue their athletic activities.