STRAIGHT TALK

Meabh Owens from Ebrington Dental shares why fixed braces are often the most effective option for adults and how more and more women in their 30s, 40s and beyond are choosing them to improve their smile.

Let’s face it. The idea of wearing ‘train tracks’ in your forties does not exactly scream glamour. For many women, especially those who never had braces as teenagers, the thought of getting them now, in between meetings, school runs and social occasions, can feel daunting.

But here is the truth. Fixed braces are one of the smartest and most effective ways to achieve a healthier, more confident smile.

Clear aligners can be brilliant, but they rely on you wearing them for 22 hours a day. That means removing them every time you eat, snack or have a coffee, and remembering to put them back in again. While aligners are sleek and discreet, they do have limitations, particularly when it comes to controlling root movement, correcting deep bites or rotating teeth predictably.

As a mum myself, I understand the juggle. With school runs, packed lunches, PE kits and football drop-offs, aligners can easily end up spending more time out of your mouth than in it.

Fixed braces, on the other hand, do not rely on willpower. Once they are on, they are working. Yes, they are more visible, but they are also more powerful — and in many cases, quicker.

With fixed braces, I can move teeth more precisely, fine-tune the bite and deliver results that are not only beautiful but also functionally healthier.

We are seeing more adults than ever investing in orthodontic treatment. Many women come to us because their teeth have shifted over time, or because they are finally ready to fix something that has bothered them for years.

Wearing braces as an adult is not something to be embarrassed about. It is empowering. Today’s fixed braces are smaller, sleeker and more discreet. Ceramic or tooth-coloured brackets blend into your natural smile, and most patients quickly stop noticing them altogether.

There are a few sacrifices, such as skipping the popcorn, but the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences. In fact, most women I treat feel more confident knowing they are doing something positive for themselves.

Starting treatment often sparks conversations too. When one woman starts her braces journey, her friends and colleagues often feel inspired to do the same. Seeing someone you know take that step makes it feel more achievable.

If you have been thinking about improving your smile but worrying what others might think, I promise you are not alone. So many women around you are making the same decision.

You have spent years doing everything for everyone else. Maybe now, it is time to do something just for you.

Meabh Owens BDS PGCertInd (QUB) PGDipOrth