Braces are one of the most popular orthodontic treatment options for straightening teeth and fixing alignment issues with your jaw. They can be most effective in early adolescence to make sure your teeth are straight and healthy before entering adulthood, but some people need braces later in life. This might be for aesthetic purposes or to fix a health issue such as an underbite.
Today we're looking at whether braces are the best treatment method for your bottom teeth, as well as everything you need to know before taking the plunge.
When adults are thinking of getting braces, they have to factor the cost into their decision. Braces cost more depending on if you're getting your whole mouth done or only the bottom teeth or top teeth. Most people decide to get braces for their top teeth first as these can be seen when you smile, while the bottom teeth are often hidden.
However, the bottom teeth can be seen when speaking, so patients might want to fix their alignment with braces. There may be other issues such as twisted teeth and overcrowding causing bite problems that can be fixed with bottom braces. While you might be happy with your upper teeth, you can use braces to fix crooked bottom teeth.
There are a number of issues braces can fix when fitted to your bottom teeth. We've detailed a few of the most common below:
Overcrowding: Overcrowding is where teeth bunch together to make them crooked and misaligned, which can affect your bite
Misaligned jaw: A misaligned bite can cause issues with your speech and chewing, as well as make tooth decay more likely
Underbite: An underbite is where your bottom teeth protrude over your top teeth, which can cause a misalignment of the jaw
Open bite: An open bite is a malocclusion that creates a gap between the top and bottom teeth, making it difficult for people who suffer from it to close their mouths fully
Crossbite: A crossbite is where one or more of the lower teeth overlap the top teeth, which can often be fixed by straightening the lower teeth
Crooked teeth: Braces are a popular method of fixing crooked lower teeth
Low confidence: Some people consider braces to be one of the best things they've ever done, because of the changes in their self-esteem and confidence
Traditional braces are the classic metal braces that are offered to most children in their teenage years to straighten teeth. They use metal brackets bonded to the teeth to pull them together with wire and power chains, made from small elastic bands. While they might not be the most aesthetic, metal braces are often considered the most effective type of braces for all kinds of tooth alignment issues.
Lingual braces work in the same way as traditional braces, but they're attached to the back of your teeth rather than the front. This is another aesthetic option for adults who don't want their braces to be seen at all times. Lingual braces work by pulling the teeth to their correct positions with wire and power chains, but treatment might take a little longer because the chains are under less pressure at the back of your teeth, allowing them to move the teeth slower.
Self-ligating braces are another type of traditional braces, but without using elastic bands to keep the wire attached to the metal brackets. Instead, they use brackets that keep the wire attached on their own. These are more convenient for some as they might require fewer appointments with your orthodontist. They might also be more comfortable as some patients have reported less friction between their mouths and the brace brackets.
Some people might need the strength of traditional braces but don't want to deal with the appearance of them. Enter ceramic braces, which work in a similar way to traditional braces but are made with a tooth-coloured material, allowing them to blend in better with your smile. While this is often preferred in adult brace cases, it's worth noting that ceramic braces can be more fragile than metal braces and therefore might need fixing more regularly.
Invisalign are clear aligners that fit over the top of your teeth and have been specifically moulded for your mouth. They gently pull your teeth into their optimal position, making around 0.2mm adjustments per tray. Invisalign can be removed when you're eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth, but they need to be worn for around 22 hours a day. Most adults prefer Invisalign over traditional braces because they're less invasive and others can hardly see them.
Braces can fix a whole host of problems with your bottom teeth, but they're not always a foolproof treatment. Before committing to braces, your orthodontist may attempt to get to the root of the problem so it can be fixed, minimising the risk of your teeth moving again after the braces come off.
Issues caused by overcrowding may need teeth to be removed before braces can be fitted, so there is more space for your teeth to move. Misaligned bite problems might also need to be evaluated before braces are fitted so the reason behind them can be nipped in the bud.
Traditional braces can be fitted onto your bottom teeth to straighten them and fix any misalignment you might be dealing with. Some people find the feeling of braces only being on the bottom teeth strange, as their top teeth sit on the brackets which can be quite a strange feeling. Due to this, it might be preferable to use lingual braces instead as they sit on the back of your teeth to prevent them from getting in the way. However, a potential issue with this is if you're suffering from an underbite. People with severe underbites might not be suitable for lingual braces.
You can use ceramic braces for a more aesthetic option if you'd like to experience the benefits of metal braces without the darker colour.
Invisalign are clear aligners that sit on top of your teeth to slowly encourage them to move to their optimal positions. They can be used for top or bottom teeth, and some people prefer the look of Invisalign when only treating one set of teeth because they're harder to spot, so people might not be able to tell you're wearing braces on your bottom teeth. Invisalign might not be suitable for all kinds of issues with your teeth, as they're designed to straighten teeth and close small gaps. Orthodontists might recommend traditional braces to fix things like twisted or crooked bottom teeth before starting you on Invisalign for more minor issues.
Crooked bottom teeth can be fixed with braces between six months and two and a half years.
While some people have a preconceived notion that bottom teeth move quicker than upper teeth, this isn't always the case. The time it takes your teeth to move into the right position depends on the treatment type and severity of your misaligned teeth. Some people find it takes less than one year for traditional braces to work, while others will have braces for multiple years.
Certain studies have found that Invisalign is quicker than traditional braces, taking between six and 18 months on average. This is a great option for people who qualify for Invisalign and who want their teeth to be fixed as quickly as possible.
Plenty of people who want their upper and lower teeth straightened opt for braces because they are proven to be effective for a number of issues. However, there are a few issues that might make braces less effective, more painful, or more trouble than they're worth. Talking to your orthodontist will help you make a more informed decision as to whether braces are the best option for you.
There might be other factors affecting your decision including price, timescales, and your eligibility for the types of braces.
In most cases, braces can be an effective fix for bottom teeth. However, as there are a number of issues that can arise from the misalignment of your bottom teeth, it's best to get professional advice before committing to any type of braces.
Some people prefer to use Invisalign for straightening their bottom teeth so they don't need to worry about the aesthetic side of things. Aligners can also reduce treatment time, which is always a plus. However, larger issues might require traditional braces beforehand. Lingual braces are a good option for bottom teeth as they can be less invasive and feel more comfortable for the wearers.
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