4 Ways Aging Can Impact Your Smile and How Orthodontics Can Help

It’s well understood that your body goes through changes as you get older, but does this also apply to your teeth? According to your orthodontist in Newark, as the years go by, it’s not uncommon for you to experience some alterations in your bite. As you continue reading, you’ll learn about 4 of the changes that can occur and how timely orthodontic care can protect your teeth and preserve your smile.

#1 – Bottom Teeth Crowding

Over time, your lower jaw can start to lose density and shrink. The imbalance that it can create in your jawbone structure can cause crowding in your lower teeth. Some possible contributors are breathing through the mouth, reverse swallowing (also called tongue thrusting) and facial trauma.

#2 – Front Teeth Gap

There are several reasons that a space in your front teeth (also referred to as diastema) can emerge. In some cases, it can be the result of crowding of the surrounding teeth or an unproportioned jaw structure. Gum disease can also leave you more susceptible to spacing due to the inflammation that it causes.

#3 – Malocclusion (Poor Bite)

As you age, any shifting in your jawbone can lead to malocclusion. As a result, you may experience headaches, clicking, popping jaw joints and in some cases, even back pain. This is not uncommon, as statistics show that one in four adults has some form of age-related malocclusion. The good news is that it’s still treatable.

#4 – Post-Orthodontic Teeth Shifting

If you’ve received orthodontic treatment in the past, you could be vulnerable to teeth shifting as you get older. Failing to wear a retainer as directed after your treatment concludes can also leave you more susceptible.

How an Orthodontist Can Help You Maintain Your Smile

With braces in Newark, any of life’s changes that impact the alignment of your teeth can be addressed to ensure that you maintain a healthy and attractive smile. With the innovations in orthodontic treatment, you have several options to meet your smile needs, which include the following:

• Traditional Braces
• Clear/Ceramic Braces
• Invisalign Clear Braces

The first step in getting the bite correction that you need is to visit your orthodontist for an examination. Because adults have greater bone density than children, the treatment process may take a little longer, but you can still get the results you’re looking for. By being proactive, you can overcome any challenges that come along with aging and achieve a gorgeous and lasting smile!

About the Author

Dr. Timothy G. Wigal is a graduate of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. He received an additional certificate of specialty in orthodontics from the West Virginia Department of Orthodontics. As an expert in providing orthodontic care, Dr. Wigal helps patients maintain beautiful smiles as they get older. He practices at Wigal Orthodontics, and he can be reached for more information through his website.