An estimated 4.5 million Americans wear braces on their teeth, according to the American Association of Orthodontics. While it is common to need orthodontics as a child or teenager, it is also possible that you may need braces again as an adult. While it is not ideal, a second round orthodontic treatment as an adult may be necessary if your teeth have shifted since your braces came off.
Reasons for Gradual Tooth Movement
Orthodontics do an amazing job at straightening the teeth and getting your smile to its most aligned and attractive position. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why teeth can shift out of this ideal position or alignment over time. While it is commonly a matter of retiring your retainer too soon, teeth shifting can also be caused from factors out of your control or simply the natural aging process. Regardless of what has caused your gradual tooth movement, it may now be impacting both the appearance of your smile as well as your jaw/bite comfort. Many adults get orthodontics to correct a persistent TMJ problems that is rooted in a misaligned bite.
Here are the vast reasons why your teeth may not be in the same position they were in when you got your braces off in middle school or high school:
- Periodontitis or gum disease
- Oral cancer
- Tooth inflammation
- Incomplete orthodontic treatment
- Dental trauma
- Wear and tear of dental fillings
- Tooth extraction
- Not wearing a retainer after braces
- Hormonal changes
- Pregnancy
- Factors of aging
- Unexpected jawbone growth
- Poor oral hygiene and habits
- Bruxism or teeth grinding
- Eruption of wisdom teeth
- CPAP therapy – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
What You Can Do Now
If gaps and crooked teeth are troubling your adult smile, it may be time for orthodontics again. Don’t worry; orthodontic treatment now is not what it used to be. In fact, today’s adults that need minor alignment correction in their smile opt for preferred options like ClearCorrect and Invisalign. Not only can your second round of orthodontics be quicker, but it can also be more discreet and much less disruptive to your lifestyle. Call Dream Dentist today to learn more about clear braces for adults!
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