Braces? At My Age?

If you feel a little self-conscious about your crooked teeth, you are not alone. Thankfully, braces aren’t just for kids any more. Today, adults make up nearly 20% of brace wearers.

So why get braces as an adult?

· A straighter smile
· Shifting teeth - Just because you had braces as a kid doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Teeth tend to move a little throughout your life. Your teeth may shift a little back toward their original positions. If you don't wear your retainer.
· Better oral health - It’s no surprise that straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. So if you’re doing your part — expect healthier gums.
· Braces can help people manage some more serious issues, too, like bite problems that cause jaw pain. In some cases, braces are necessary to change the position of neighboring teeth for a new bridge, crown, or implant.

Available options
Today’s braces options are barely noticeable. They include:
· Ceramic brackets made of a clear material.
· Brackets attached to the back of teeth to hold the wires that pull teeth into a new position.
· Customized plastic aligners that fit like tooth guards over teeth, gently moving them into a new position.
· Metal Brackets

Treatment
How long you’ll need to wear braces depends on what needs to be accomplished. Most treatments range from 12 to 44 months. Adult teeth sometimes take longer than children’s teeth to move into new positions. Once teeth are in the desired position, you are likely to need to wear a retainer. Many dentist or orthodontists now recommend long term retainers wear. For more information contact a dentist in NW Calgary.