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Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

Are you an adult considering orthodontic treatment? At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, we understand the unique needs and concerns of adults seeking to improve their smiles and oral health. Orthodontic treatment for adults has become increasingly popular, offering various options to suit different lifestyles and dental needs. Feeling self-conscious about your smile can significantly impact your confidence and quality of life. Many adults with crooked or misaligned teeth long for a straighter, more attractive smile but hesitate to pursue treatment due to concerns about visibility, discomfort, and time commitment. 

We understand these worries and offer a solution that is not only effective but also faster and more discreet: clear aligners. Our advanced digital smile design process allows you to preview your new smile before treatment begins, ensuring you are fully satisfied with the expected results.

Adult orthodontic treatment with clear aligners at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

Adult orthodontic treatment with clear aligners at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

Why Orthodontic Treatment for Adults?

Adult orthodontic treatment addresses a variety of dental issues that can impact overall oral health and self-confidence. Here are some reasons why adults may seek orthodontic care:

  • Misaligned teeth: Crooked or crowded teeth can lead to difficulties in cleaning, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Bite problems: Issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can cause discomfort and affect chewing and speaking.
  • Jaw pain: Misalignment can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, causing chronic jaw pain and headaches.
  • Aesthetic concerns: A straight, well-aligned smile enhances appearance and boosts self-esteem.

Clear Aligners: A Modern Solution for Adults

Clear aligners have revolutionised orthodontic treatment for adults, offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, we are proud to offer this innovative solution to our patients.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

  • Invisibility: Clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them an ideal choice for adults concerned about the appearance of braces.
  • Comfort: Made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, clear aligners are comfortable to wear and less likely to irritate gums and cheeks.
  • Removability: Aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, promoting better oral hygiene and allowing more dietary freedom.
  • Customisation: Each set of aligners is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring effective and precise alignment.

How Clear Aligners Work

Clear aligners gradually move teeth into their desired positions using a series of custom-made, removable trays. Here’s how the process works:

  1. Digital smile design: We begin with a comprehensive digital smile design process, allowing you to see a preview of your new smile before treatment commences.
  2. 3D printed models: Once you approve the digital design, our onsite lab digitally creates 3D printed models that serve as precise templates for crafting your clear aligner trays.
  3. Aligner treatment: You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, gradually moving your teeth until they reach the desired alignment.
  4. Retention phase: After treatment, we provide either a custom clear retainer or wire retainer to maintain your new smile’s alignment based on your lifestyle and dental needs.

Treatment Duration and Retention

Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of your case, typically ranging from 6 to 18 months. Following treatment, our retention options ensure your teeth remain optimally positioned:

  • Clear retainers: Worn nightly, these removable retainers maintain your teeth alignment discreetly.
  • Wire retainers: Fixed in place, wire retainers provide continuous support and are ideal for long-term retention.

The Advantage of Our Onsite Lab

One of the unique benefits of choosing Silver Oaks Dental Clinic is our state-of-the-art onsite lab. This facility allows us to expedite the production of your custom aligners and other orthodontic appliances, reducing waiting times and accelerating your treatment process.

Faster Treatment Times

  • Quick turnaround: With our onsite lab, we can create and adjust aligners more quickly than clinics that outsource this work, meaning you get started on your treatment sooner.
  • Immediate adjustments: Any necessary adjustments to your aligners can be made on the spot, minimising delays and ensuring continuous progress.

Traditional Braces for Complex Cases

While we specialise in clear aligners, it’s important to acknowledge that traditional braces are another effective option for complex alignment issues. Braces can be highly effective for severe misalignments and bite issues, but they come with their own set of challenges such as visibility and comfort.

Advantages of Clear Aligners Over Traditional Braces

  • Discreet appearance: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, while traditional braces are more noticeable.
  • Enhanced comfort: Aligners are generally more comfortable than braces, which can cause irritation and require periodic tightening.
  • Improved oral hygiene: Aligners can be removed for cleaning, whereas braces require careful brushing and flossing around brackets and wires.
  • Flexible treatment: The ability to remove aligners for special occasions or important meetings adds convenience to daily life.

Conclusion

Orthodontic treatment for adults offer effective solutions for correcting complex alignment issues, improving both oral health and aesthetics. At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, we provide advanced options like clear aligners, supported by our efficient onsite lab to ensure faster, more convenient treatment. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are clear aligners suitable for all adults?

A: Clear aligners are suitable for many adults but may not be ideal for severe cases. A consultation with our dentist will determine the best option for you.

Q: How long does treatment with clear aligners take?

A: Treatment duration varies based on individual needs but typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.

Q: Can I switch from braces to clear aligners during treatment?

A: In some cases, switching is possible. Consult with your dentist to discuss your specific situation.

Q: How often do I need to visit the clinic during treatment?

A: Regular check-ups are scheduled every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Q: Will orthodontic treatment affect my speech?

A: There may be a short adjustment period, but most patients adapt quickly and experience no long-term impact on speech.

 

Traditional Braces vs Clear Aligners

People often get confused when choosing between traditional braces and aligners. As much as this can be a personal choice- it can also be case dependent. Here are a few Pro’s and Con’s you should be aware of when choosing between the two.

Traditional Braces

– Pros

  • Can correct any misalignment.
  • It can’t be removed therefore you can’t neglect its usage.

– Cons

  • Uncomfortable/painful.
  • Food/Drink restrictions.
  • Regular dental visits.
  • Difficult to clean.

Clear Aligners

– Pros

  • Your final results are predicted prior to the treatment.
  • Less dentist check-ups.
  • They are almost Invisible.
  • Can be removed.
  • Can be easily cleaned and you can maintain optimal oral care.
  • Pain subsides shortly after fitting every new step.
  • Comfortable to use.
  • No food/drink restrictions- you can take them off and enjoy your meal!
  • It is very often much faster than metal braces when correcting cosmetic alignment of teeth (usually between 3 to 9 months)

– Cons

  • Not all cases are suitable. It cannot correct major overbites/underbites and excessive crowding.
  • It needs to be worn for at least 22 hours a day.
  • Having the freedom to remove it may lead you to not wearing it as often as you should.

Both Traditional Braces and Aligners are effective treatments when it comes to realigning your teeth. A proper assessment with a dentist is the best way to find out which is more suitable for you.

Check out our website to find out more about our Clear Aligners and Adult Orthodontics.

The Cost of Clear Aligners in South Africa

The cost of Clear Aligners is surprisingly affordable in South Africa. There are many adults who are just not keen on wearing traditional wired braces. Clear aligners are a great alternative as it is a clear and comfortable option for realigning your teeth.

Here are a few benefits:

  • Aligners are practically invisible.
  • Smooth surfaces (no painful metal brackets and wires)
  • Can be removed before eating and brushing teeth.
  • No long or painful dental appointments.
  • Fast and efficient (usage varies between 2 months to 9 months)
  • Before and after teeth movements are digitally simulated. This will allow the orthodontist to show you the transitions from the current state of your teeth to the expected outcome results.
  • The perfect option to “realign” your teeth again if they have gone crooked years after having traditional braces.

clear aligners

Factors that contribute to the price you pay for aligners:

  • The complexity of your case.
  • A Single jaw treatment or both jaws.
  • A refinement stage if you do not wear your aligners correctly.

How much will these clear aligners cost?

The cost of aligners are determined by the complexity of your case. The average cost for clear aligners starts from around R20 000 per jaw and around R45 000 for both jaws. Complex cases are more costly as they may require a refinement phase. Only an orthodontic assessment can determine the cost estimate as well as if you will be eligible for clear aligners.

clear aligner

You can now book an appointment with our experienced team by calling us on 031 202 6584 or emailing us at silveroaksdentalclinic@gmail.com. The Silver Oaks team looks forward to meeting you!