I struggled in school with crooked teeth. My parents couldn’t afford to have them straightened and didn’t have a dental plan that included orthodontics. I now can afford to have a great smile, but I have a few questions.
– Edwin
Dear Edwin,
Here are the answers to your questions.
1. Can I have invisible braces?
We do offer Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It’s virtually undetectable. Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign, in which case we also offer porcelain “clear” traditional braces.
2. Will I need to always wear a retainer and will people notice that?
After your braces are removed, you will need retainers to hold your teeth in their new positions, wearing them for one year full time and one year at night. An upper removable retainer has a wire holding the front teeth. It will be visible but much less than fixed braces. The lower retainer is usually a small wire attached to the inside of the lower front six teeth.
3. Will braces stop me from enjoying some of my favourite foods like corn on the cob and candy?
You can still enjoy most foods, although you may need to adjust the way in which you eat them, such as by cutting the corn off the cob, taking meat off the bone when eating ribs and chicken wings, and cutting up fruit instead of biting into it. You should avoid eating candy until after your braces are removed. I am happy to say that you can enjoy chocolate every once in a while!
4. Will I get the same results as I would have if I had worn braces as a teenager?
It is never too late to get braces! Adult treatment may take slightly longer because an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing. But the amount of time it takes to complete treatment depends more on the severity of the problem, patient cooperation and the position of the jaws than it does on age. Plus, adults tend to be more compliant with their treatment and follow instructions for wearing treatment aids such as elastics. This may actually lessen treatment time.
Dr. Winnie S. Grewal is a certified specialist in orthodontics with offices in Ajax and Bowmanville.
For more information, visit www.grewalorthodontics.com or call for a Complimentary Consultation!
Ajax: 905 427-7310. Bowmanville: 905 623-2283.
