Orthodontic treatment – How to get your teeth straightened as an adult

• Malocclusion. Many adults have an incorrect bite. Maybe that is why your face hurts, your jaws get tired and you are unable to floss between your teeth?
• Returning to original position. Teeth straightened in childhood can easily become crooked again over the years. Many people seek orthodontic treatment again as adults.
• Crooked teeth. The desire for straight teeth is a very good reason for orthodontic treatment. You also get a more functional bite and your teeth will be easier to clean!

Visiting a dentist may be a good idea if:

• Your teeth are crowded, crooked or difficult to clean.
• You suffer from pain in the head and facial area.
• You grind your teeth at night and, during the day, your head hurts and your shoulders are stiff.
• Your crooked teeth are bothering you.

In some cases, your dentist may suggest orthodontic treatment. A dental check-up may reveal that you have, for example, an overbite, a crossbite or some other functional malocclusion.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment, book an appointment. You do not need to make a decision right away. Instead, you can take your time to think about it. You will also receive cost estimates for the different treatment options.

There are two good options for orthodontic treatment in adulthood:

1. Braces. Did you know that traditional braces, i.e. fixed orthodontic appliances, are also available in discreet white? And in any case, adults with braces are a common sight these days.
2. Clear aligner treatment. Clear aligners are considered by many to be a pleasant option for straightening teeth. However, clear aligner treatment is not always suitable for treating all types of malocclusion or crooked teeth.

You do not need to know in advance which method you want to choose. A specialist in orthodontic treatment can tell you which technique is suitable for your teeth.

Orthodontic treatment with traditional braces is done as follows:

1. During the first appointment, the dentist will survey your situation and discuss the options for orthodontic treatment with you. You can take your time to think about the information provided.
2. During the second appointment, the dentist will take an X-ray and plaster models of your teeth as well as photos of your face and dental arches.
3. During the third appointment, you will be fitted with braces. First, the dentist attaches the brackets onto your teeth with an adhesive that resembles dental filling. Next, an arch wire is attached to the brackets to do the actual work, that is, pulling your teeth to the desired position. Attaching the arch wire is completely painless.
4. About once a month, you will have an appointment to adjust the orthodontic appliance.
5. Orthodontic treatment usually takes 1–2 years.
6. Maintenance is important after the actual orthodontic treatment process. There are two options for this: the dentist attaches fixed wire retainers to the back of your teeth or, alternatively, you are given a night retainer to wear every night.

If your malocclusion is severe, orthodontic treatment may not be enough. If your teeth are very crooked and crowded, the dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment may suggest tooth extraction so that all your teeth can fit in the dental arch while straight. In some special cases, jaw surgery is necessary.

Tooth extraction is hassle-free and painless, and there is no reason to be afraid of it. You will always get proper local anaesthesia and we will look after your well-being the whole time.

Clear aligner treatment is considered by many to be a more comfortable way to straighten teeth than traditional braces. In clear aligner treatment, your teeth are straightened with a clear aligner.

There are a few different types of clear aligner treatment. Some of them are suitable for correcting small, aesthetic issues, while others take care of slightly more challenging types of malocclusion. A dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment or an ordinary dentist will select the most suitable type of orthodontic treatment for you during the first appointment.

Clear aligner treatment requires commitment to orthodontic treatment, as the aligners need to be cleaned regularly. Clear aligner treatment is also followed by a maintenance period.

You are in good hands at Hammas Mehiläinen, where clear aligner treatment is planned by either a specialist in orthodontic treatment or a dentist with the assistance of a specialist in orthodontic treatment.