As children, we visit the dentist office regularly for checkups and cleanings. During these visits, the dentist may find crooked, overlapped, or twisted teeth. A visit to the orthodontist may be advised to get an assessment of any issues. Once the problem is confirmed, this is where the field of orthodontics comes into play to help straighten your teeth. Orthodontics can also help to fix an overlapping bite and most other irregularities your teeth may have.

Sometimes these orthodontic concerns don’t get resolved during childhood and may need to be treated as an adult. Keep in mind that it is never too late to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of! Adults may encounter various problems which could include overbites, underbites, jaw pain, and overcrowding. 

Postponing treatments can sometimes cause tooth decay and gum disease, so it’s never a bad idea to get your smile assessed. Adults can look forward to experiencing the confidence that comes with a healthy smile. There is also the added benefit of better overall oral health.

As one of the most common treatments, traditional braces are now becoming even more frequent, not just among people in their twenties but for those in their forties, fifties, and beyond. Even adults who didn’t have any oral problems as children may need to seek orthodontic care. Teeth can shift as you get older which may require orthodontic treatment to fix the problem. After a consultation, your orthodontist can recommend the right treatment for your specific needs. The most common of treatments are traditional braces and clear aligners.

Traditional Braces

The traditional braces that are typically used have metal that are attached to the front of each tooth and then an archwire is used to tie it all together. This is a wire that is used in combination with the metal brackets to apply gentle pressure throughout treatment to straighten your teeth. Also used to help with the movement of your brackets are rubber bands. The rubber bands can be a variety of different colors, allowing you to showcase your style or uniqueness.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a popular alternate method to braces for straightening teeth. They are aesthetically pleasing and quite comfortable to wear. Aligners like Invisalign are transparent and made of polyurethane plastic. This method is quickly rising to become a popular option for adults.

Using a similar process as braces, clear aligners control the movement of the teeth by applying steady pressure without any wires or brackets. The aligners are removable which makes treatment much more aesthetically pleasing.

Retainers

After you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment, the last step in the process is to keep your teeth straightened. Once your braces are done working their magic, retainers are often used to keep everything in place. 

No matter what age, it’s never too late to get your teeth straightened for that beautiful smile. The prevention of oral diseases and an improved bite are just some of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Contact Rykiss Orthodontics in Winnipeg to learn more about your options as an adult.