Is There an Age Limit for Getting Braces?

Is there an age limit for getting braces? Is it still possible to get braces in your mid 30s? Is it ever too late to consider orthodontic treatment?

Is getting braces at 36 years old ever too late?  

Age is directly linked to the bone structure and with adults and when adult bones are less malleable then orthodontic treatment will take longer. This is when orthodontic treatment becomes more complicated and treatment time will become substantially longer.

The alveolar bone is always moving and even though the adult bone is already set but the alveolar bone is a unique and when pressure is applied it can slowly shift. Therefore, age does not restrict orthodontic treatment.

Overall 36 years old is not a late age to get orthodontics. The only factor which affects getting braces is periodontal disease. The reason for this is it directly affects the alveolar bone. Periodontal disease is directly linked to bad oral hygiene and in the long-term affects the oral health due to build-up of plaque and dental calculus. Dental calculus if left untreated will lead to receding gums and aggravate the teeth and in the worst case scenario will lead to the loss of the tooth.

If a patient were to go through with orthodontic treatment with periodontal disease with the alveolar bone and is the foundation for the tooth. For example a unhealthy alveolar bone will not be able to provide a foundation for a healthy tooth. Before orthodontic treatment the dentist will do a full oral examination. To check that the teeth are healthy and that orthodontic treatment will not affect the teeth.     

Can Tooth Restorations Last a Lifetime

After restoring a broken tooth can it last a lifetime? Require tooth restoration but don’t know which type of restoration is best? Let’s take a look at the options available.

Restoring a Broken Tooth

Restoring a broken is not as simple as it looks and will depend on the degree of damage on the tooth:

1. If the there is only a slight chip or less than half the tooth is damaged then the dentist would need to do a oral examination to check that the pulp isn’t exposed and then fill the tooth. Materials for filling the tooth include composite and glass ionomer.

2. If the damaged area is rather big but the pulp is not exposed then a normal filling will not be able to restore the area and this is where veneers would be needed to restore the tooth. Veneers are thin shells of material which are used to cover the natural tooth.

3. For damaged teeth where the pulp and nerves are exposed then root canal treatment is needed to remove the pulp tissues then it can be filled. Also a dental crown will need to be fitted to prevent further damage to the tooth in the future.

Can restorations last a lifetime?

How long restorations last will depend on several factors and differs for everyone. How long the restorations can last depend on the following factors:

1. Materials: The choice of material directly affects the life span of restorations as certain materials are much more durable than others.

2. Skills of Dentist: The skills and techniques of a dentist directly affects the overall results of the restoration. Therefore, finding a qualified and experienced dentist is vital.

3. Maintenance: How patients look after their teeth after restoration work is also vital and if eating habits don’t change then the restorations are susceptible to damaged. 

Veneers can Cover Black Stains Between Teeth

Can composite veneers be used to cover black stains between teeth? A lot of people are self-conscious about black stains between teeth and often ask if veneers are the best option to treat this problem. However, the only way to find the best form of treatment is to know the cause of these black stains.

Finding out the cause of the black stains!

Cavities

For those who over consume sugars this will cause acid to develop and will lead to the demineralization of the enamel and slowly black stops and cavities will appear. A oral examination is required and if the cavity is rather small then a filling can be used. For more severe cases where the cavity has already damaged the pulp tissues then root canal treatment is required.   

Staining & Discoloration

In the long-term if oral hygiene is not up to scratch this will result in plaque build-up and staining. In the long-term this can lead to black stains between teeth. A dental cleaning will need to be carried out and then cold light whitening may need to be done for stains that have not been removed through dental cleaning.  

Infected Pulp Tissues

When cavities are severe this can damage the pulp tissues and results in teeth having a black appearance. In this case a x-ray would need to be taken and then root canal treatment will be carried out and then a dental crown will be placed.

Teeth Development Problems

Problems during the development of the tooth can result in the tooth having a black appearance. For example tetracycline staining and fluorosis. In cases where tetracycline staining and fluorosis is severe then the only options are dental crowns and veneers.

Can you Remove Dental Calculus Yourself?

One of the most commonly asked questions by patients is can you remove dental calculus yourself? Dental calculus can only be removed by a dental hygienist or dentist through a dental cleaning. You can’t remove dental calculus by yourself.

1. Picking at dental calculus 

Trying to pick at dental calculus with your hands will not only cause bleeding to the gums but it will also damage to the gums. Also there is bacteria on the hands which will can cause an oral infection.

2. Will dental calculus fall off itself?

A lot of patients think that dental calculus can fall off itself? Dental calculus generally speaking will not fall off itself and if left untreated then it will result in periodontal disease and cannot heal by itself and over a long period of time it will only get worse.

If dental calculus is not removed it will get progress below the gum line and the area it covers will get larger resulting in swollen and bleeding gums and in severe cases it will lead to the tooth becoming loose and in the end the tooth will fall out.  

3. How to remove dental calculus properly?

When calculus is still soft through proper brushing and rinsing after eating it can be removed. However, once the dental calculus hardens no matter how many times you brush the calculus it can’t be removed. Therefore, it’s advised that you visit a professional dental clinic for a professional dental cleaning and the use of a ultrasonic scaler to remove the calculus. Once the dental calculus is below the gum line scaling below the gum line is required to remove the dental calculus.

White Spots on Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

During the course of orthodontic treatment some patients find that their teeth may develop white spots. This is often linked to bad oral hygiene! A lot of patients often think the white spots are cavities and ask whether orthodontic treatment can result in cavities?

1. White spots on teeth are down to lack of oral hygiene!

Once braces are fitted onto the teeth it’s easy to miss certain areas when brushing. When the teeth are not cleaned properly this can lead to staining, plaque and other problems. Bacteria in the mouth breeds quickly and lives off sugars and expels acid which attacks the layer of enamel on teeth. As a result, the teeth begin to demineralize.

What is demineralization? Demineralization is loss of mineral from tooth enamel and it usually appears as a white area on the tooth surface. These white spots are the first signs of cavities!

2. What will happen during demineralization?

If the signs of demineralization is ignored then the bacteria will continue to breed and develop into cavities. Then there will be signs of pain and will slowly affect the dental pulp causing pulpitis and more seriously periapical periodontitis.  

3. What should be done for tooth demineralization?

It’s advised that you should make an appointment at a dental clinic for a thorough oral examination and should take steps to avoid the possibilities of cavities developing.  

4. How can demineralization be avoided?

l Oral hygiene is the most important with brushing at least twice a day, rinsing after meals and also not to forget flossing is also vital.

l A balanced diet is also important, restricting the amount of sugar consumption can prevent acid erosion of the teeth.

l Remember that frequent check-ups are required so don’t miss any dental appointments. As soon as you spot any problems with your teeth you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. 

Risks & Complications of Orthodontic Treatment

What are the risks and complications associated with orthodontic treatment? A lot of patients choose to through with orthodontic treatment to correct teeth alignment issues yet a lot of patients are not familiar with the risks and complications of orthodontic treatment. Choosing the incorrect type of orthodontic treatment will affect the overall results and is also very costly in terms of money and the health of your teeth.

1. Risks and complications of getting braces

l Extraction of the wrong tooth will not only affect the overall results of the orthodontic treatment but can also cause malocclusion of teeth.

l Only focusing on the alignment of teeth and neglecting the restoration of functional occlusion will result in temporomandibular disorders that will affect chewing functions of the teeth.

l Over exertion of pressure can lead to gum recession, root resorption and can damage periodontal tissues resulting in loose teeth and possibly the loss of the tooth.

l Choosing the wrong type of braces will prolong treatment time and can also cause the brackets to fall off and will affect the oral mucosa and overall oral health.

2. How to prevent the risks of orthodontic treatment?

It is advised that patients choose a qualified and professional dental clinic and orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment is complex and should only be carried out by professional orthodontist.

Before orthodontic treatment can be carried out a oral examination and a orthodontic treatment plan has to be designed. Therefore, with the professionalism of the orthodontist and the cooperation of the patient can the risks of orthodontic treatment be reduced.

3. How long does orthodontic treatment take?

How long orthodontic treatment takes will depend on the individual case for some patients it can take between 1 to 2 years. For other patients it can take from 2-3 years and possibly even longer. An accurate treatment time will depend on the severity of the case.  

How Long Does it Take to Get Veneers?

A lot of people are self-conscious about their teeth and especially about the shade with many going through whitening treatment and still not happy with the results. Is there any other options? Dental veneers is one of the best options for clients who want instant results and can also improve the overall appearance of the teeth. How long does it take to get veneers?  

1. What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells of material which are placed on the surface of your natural teeth to mask the shape and color of the natural teeth. Though before a veneers can be fitted a thin layer of enamel between 0.1mm 0.2 mm will have to be removed from your tooth before the enamel can be fitted.

2. What problems can veneers solve?

Veneers can be used to correct problems with stained teeth, chipped and damaged teeth and gap problems. Veneers can usually last for 10 to 15 years depending on the veneer material and how well you maintain your teeth.

3. How long does it take to fit veneers?

l Generally speaking veneers take approximately 1 week. This period will include enamel removal, taking molds and impressions, trial fitting and the final fitting of veneers.

l Your teeth and gums must be healthy before you get veneers. Your dentist can treat any disease or decay before your veneers are placed.

l As with all your dental care, discuss all your expectations and treatment options with your dentist. Regular dental visits are a must for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.