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.

Best Tooth Restoration Options

For adults the worst thing that can happen is chipping or breaking a tooth for adults the tooth can never grow back so what methods of restoration are available?

1. Can a broken tooth grow back?

This will depend on the type of tooth broken:

l Milk Tooth: A chipped or broken milk tooth will not grow back, therefore if the milk tooth is damaged then you can only protect is until it’s time for the permanent teeth to come in.

l Permanent Tooth: If a permanent tooth is broken it will never grow back and can only be restored.

2. What should you do if you have a broken tooth?  

Once you discover your tooth is broken you should got a dental clinic as soon as possible for an oral examination to check how badly damaged the tooth is. Depending on the degree of damage different restoration methods are available:

l Composite Restoration: This is suitable for cases where only half the tooth is broken and the damaged surface is small. Composite can be used to fill or bond the damaged area to restore its appearance.

l Root Canal Treatment: If a tooth is broken or damaged and has already reached the pulp tissue and dental nerve this will cause pulpitis and periapical periodontitis. In these types of cases root canal treatment will need to be carried out before restoration can be done.

l Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are used when more than half of the tooth is broken. A thin layer of enamel will be removed before the veneers are placed onto the tooth to cover the damaged tooth.

l Tooth Extraction: This is the last option and is only used when the tooth cannot be saved because the tooth root is damaged. After extracting the tooth patients can consider dentures or dental implants to replace the tooth. 

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take For Adults?

How long does orthodontic treatment take for adults? A lot of patients are worried that they cannot go through with orthodontic treatment because of their age. So does age affect orthodontic treatment? How long does it take for adults to complete the treatment?

1. Adults can’t get braces?

Age is not the major factor for getting braces, it’s the health of the gums which determine whether adults can get braces. Once a dentist has carried out an oral examination and will advise whether getting braces is suitable for you.

2. How long does orthodontic treatment take for adults?

Generally speaking adult orthodontic treatment takes longer compared to children. The reason is because adult bone structure is set therefore it makes orthodontic treatment time harder to predict. Some adult treatment could take 1 to 2 years, for others it could take 3 years or more. How long treatment takes is directly linked to the severity of the case and the type of braces chosen.

3. Which type of braces are best?

There is a range of braces to choose from, so which type is best?

l Metal Braces: The traditional type of braces consist of metal brackets that are glued to your teeth using a special dental cement, then tied together by wires. In terms of costs they are the cheapest option but are not the best aesthetic option.  

l Ceramic Braces: This is where the brackets are ceramic instead of metal, although not as noticeable as metal braces they are more expensive.

l Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are basically invisible and are a great option for adults who want to be able to remove aligners when they want to. Though this option is rather expensive.

l Lingual Braces: These type of braces are fitted behind the teeth so effectively are invisible to the eye. These type of braces are custom made so they are the most expensive type of braces. 

Treatment for a Cracked Tooth

If a tooth cracks right down the middle would it be better to get a dental post and crown or should the tooth just be extracted? A tooth can crack due to many factors such as biting overly hard objects, cavities and accidents.

Severity of the Cracked Tooth  

Whether a cracked tooth requires a dental post or a tooth extraction will depend on how severe the cracked tooth is. Therefore, it’s important to get a x-ray taken for diagnostic purposes.

1. How Deep is the Crack

If the crack is not deep and has not reached the pulp then it’s possible to restore the tooth with a filling.

2. The Crack has Reached the Dental Nerve

If the crack is deep and has already damaged the dental pulp and nerves. This is when root canal treatment is required. After root canal treatment whether a dental post is required will depend on the tooth situation or a dental crown will be fitted to the affected tooth.

If the tooth root is still in good condition then a dental crown will be placed directly onto the tooth. There are different materials for dental crowns such as metals, precious metal and all porcelain crowns. Which type of dental crown you choose will depend on the situation of your tooth and costs.

If a tooth root is too short then a dental crown cannot be placed. This is when a dental post is required to support the dental crown. Dental posts come in a range of materials which are ceramic, metal and fiber.  

3. Tooth Root has Cracked

If the crack has already reached the root of the tooth and after a x-ray it has been diagnosed that it’s hard to preserve then the tooth will be extracted. After the tooth has been extracted there is a choice between removable denture, fixed denture or a dental implant. 

Interproximal Reduction Linked to Cavities?

After interproximal reduction does that mean teeth are more susceptible to cavities? A lot of clients often ask what is interproximal reduction? What are the side effects? Is interproximal reduction linked to cavities?

1. Orthodontics & Interproximal Reduction

What exactly is interproximal reduction? When is it used in orthodontics? Interproximal reduction is used to remove enamel from the surface of the teeth approximately 0.2 – 0.5mm of enamel is removed.

Interproximal reduction is used to create space for tooth movement and is used in mild overcrowding cases. For severely overcrowded teeth interproximal reduction is not an option and space can only be created through teeth extractions.

2. Interproximal reduction is linked to cavities?  

Interproximal reduction is not directly linked to cavities, but you may develop cavities after interproximal reduction due to bad oral hygiene. Plaque can collect more readily on teeth, that have undergone interproximal reduction, therefore oral hygiene and frequent brushing is necessary.

All teeth must be brushed and a orthodontic toothbrush should be used to prevent any plaque build-up and this can reduce the possibility of cavities developing. After removing enamel from the teeth the dentist will smooth and polish the surface and also apply a coat of fluoride. Patients need to adhere to a good oral hygiene routine to prevent cavities developing.