Braces for adults: just moved

Teenagers with solid braces have been part of the usual picture for a long time. But in recent years, more and more adults with clasp and Co. can be seen in the mouth. The reasons are diverse: narrow, nested or tilted teeth that make it difficult to brush and promote tooth decay and periodontitis, problems biting and chewing, disturbing tooth gaps, head, neck, neck and jaw joint pain through the tooth misalignment- or simply the desire for an open, radiant smile.

Mislaps are usually genetic or acquired, for example due to an early loss of milk teeth. This shifts the teeth, the second teeth grow wrong from the outset. The normal aging process also plays a role: height and density of the bone, and with it the quality of the anchoring of the teeth. They become more vulnerable to forces that work in the jaw. If teeth do not support each other perfectly, the teeth are more unstable and more susceptible to changes.

« In general, a correction of misalignments is even possible until old age, as long as the teeth in the mouth and the gums are healthy, » says Prof. Michael Wolf, director of the orthodontics clinic at the University Hospital Aachen. « Today we can bring our teeth very specifically and move them into a new position with the bone that surrounds them. »

Complete teeth, tooth loss or dentures make regulation more complicated, but often possible. « If there are no teeth or there is periodontitis, special expertise is needed, » says Wolf. You have to be careful to discuss with the dentist or periodontologist. Serious misaligned jaws such as a strongly pronounced overbite or torn bite can only be remedied surgically in adulthood.

Fixed braces: Proven technology for complex cases

Depending on the treatment goal, various procedures are available. Solid braces guarantees optimal results even in the event of severe malpositions. It consists of so -called brackets, small elements made of metal, plastic or ceramic, which are usually glued on the outside on the teeth and are connected to a bow made of wire. This presses or pulls the teeth in the desired direction.

With regular check -ups, the sheet is clamped or replaced. However, careful dental care is required for a firm clasp so that there is no melting detection – whitish discoloration of the enamel, which ultimately lead to caries. In the beginning, braces bothers, for example when eating. « Above all, it is a question of getting used to, » says Wolf. « On the apparatus just like the forces that work. » At the beginning and in the first few days after the insertion of a new arch can usually be felt and feelings of pressure and tension.

The most visually subtle variant in solid clasps offers the so -called lingual technology, in which the tailor -made brackets are glued to the inside of the teeth and are therefore almost invisible. However, pressure points and injuries to the tongue can occur. « The stimulus of the mucous membrane through the brackets is low in clasps, which are characterized by precise elaboration and high -quality material, » says Wolf.

Thanks to the further developed technology, there are also rare initial language problems such as lisp. The expert emphasizes: Whether flexible plastic splint (see below) or firm clasps on the outside or inside – getting used to the equipment when speaking takes three to four weeks. « The data does not show any big differences between the methods, » said the orthodontist. « The mouth usually adapted quickly. »

Aligner: The almost invisible alternative

As an alternative to a solid clasp for light and moderate malpositions, so -called aligners (English: to align = bring to a line). These are thin, transparent rails made of plastic, which are placed over a row of teeth and put gentle pressure on the teeth. Each patient receives individually manufactured rails.

With the help of a computer graphic process, a previously determined treatment goal is presented and divided into individual phases. Different rails are produced for each of these phases, each of which must be worn for one to two weeks. You should sit on your teeth 20 to 22 hours a day and only be removed for eating.

Aligners are offered by dentists and orthodontists, sometimes also online. In this case, patients receive the rails after an appointment in a partner dental practice to make a 3D scan. In the event of a slight malposition of the front teeth, an improvement may be achieved in individual cases. In general, however, experts like Michael Wolf advise against remote treatment via online shipping. « It is by no means banally classified how to treat an orthodontic case, » emphasizes the orthodontist.

To do this, not only the teeth would have to be examined, but also the jawbone, the functionality of the tooth keeper apparatus and the position of the jaws together. Seeing patients every six to twelve weeks is extremely important. « We always check whether the system works as planned, » said Wolf. Last but not least, it is also about averting damage. « If the gums withdraw due to the therapy, it is almost impossible to undo this. »

How long an aligner treatment takes depends on the degree of misaligned tooth-and the patient’s demands. Many meet the correction of the visible « social six », the front six anterior teeth. The first changes are shown after a few months. However, a lot of “wearing discipline” is also necessary for quick success.

And: For an optimal result, in addition to the aesthetic, the functional aspect must always be taken into account, which may require a longer treatment period. Then the teeth must be kept in their new position over a certain time so that they do not move back. This ensures either a stabilizing night rail or a fine wire glued onto the toothed side, a so -called retainer (English: to retain = fix).

The costs for orthodontic treatments vary depending on the type and duration of the treatment. It is therefore advisable to inform yourself in detail in advance. For adults, tooth corrections are usually not taken over by the national health insurance fund, unless there is a medical necessity. Some private health insurance companies offer additional insurance that cover part of the costs for tooth corrections.