When it comes to getting braces, most people associate this orthodontic treatment with younger patients, but patients of any age can get braces. Today we’ll discuss some options for adults who need a little extra care to get their perfect smile. Whether you’re getting extra work done for a confident smile or just coming in for a touch-up, our experts at Master Orthodontics want to help guide you through your oral health journey. Our team prides itself on treating patients like family and providing an exceptional experience every time you visit our offices. The patients at Master Orthodontics in Bremerton, Gig Harbor, and Port Orchard, WA, are equipped with up-to-date information, so they have access to every treatment option, and we want to extend that to you. Here’s everything you need to know about retreatment options for adults.
Why would I need retreatment?
Before we get started, let’s backtrack to define who exactly needs retreatment and what it’s for. As we get older, our teeth have a natural tendency to shift. Even with orthodontic treatment, they can drift back to their original positions over time. This is the general cause of retreatment. If a patient had braces and forgot to wear their retainer, the shifting of their teeth is also magnified over time. Patients who grind their teeth can also impact how much their teeth move. If a patient experiences tooth loss for whatever reason, teeth will naturally shift in the available space left behind. As you can see, your teeth can really get on the move while you age. This, however, can be rectified through orthodontic treatment.
What are my retreatment options?
The first step to retreatment is diagnosis. It’s important to make sure you get personalized care to ensure your treatment is a success. Your orthodontist will typically set up an initial consultation to determine the best path for treatment. From there, they conduct an oral examination to diagnose your current condition and come up with a plan to recreate your smile.
Depending on the severity of your relapse, your teeth may be in condition for anywhere from minor treatment with aligners to another stint with braces. Don’t worry, though; if braces are necessary for retreatment, it will be a much faster process than the original treatment time you have for braces. As we mentioned earlier, wearing your retainer can make a big difference in retreatment needs, so be sure to keep up with it.
Clear aligners.
Clear aligners are great for patients who had braces when they were younger and just need a touch-up. They also work well for patients who have mild to moderate dental problems. Clear aligners use a series of invisible aligners to help straighten your teeth. They are typically removable and are designed to fit comfortably on your teeth as they work to enhance your smile.
Clear aligners don’t require any metal, making them easy to apply and use during treatment. As you progress in the teeth-straightening process, the aligners will slowly shift your teeth into place. Each tray is made to slightly shift your teeth until they are perfectly aligned into a new and improved smile. Clear aligners are excellent choices to help treat cases of underbites, overbites, crowding and gaps in between teeth.
While clear aligners are a great alternative to braces, there are a few things to note when using aligners to ensure the most effective treatment possible.
- Don’t get them dirty. Clear aligners are sensitive and easy to stain, so make sure you drink water exclusively while they’re in. It’s best to remove the aligners when possible while eating or drinking to avoid damage.
- Don’t scratch them. Help your aligners last longer during treatment by taking good care of them.
- Be patient. Sometimes the process of using aligners can seem tedious. It’s important to continue to take good care of your aligners and not rush the process to a beautiful smile.
- Keep them safe. As clear aligners are removable, it’s important to always keep up with where you put them. They are essential in the progression towards a brighter smile.
Traditional metal braces.
The next option for retreatment is traditional metal braces. They are bridged together using metal brackets and arches to help straighten your teeth over time. They are typically made of stainless steel and nickel, which makes the brackets very durable.
They’re an effective option for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues and can close gaps. and align the teeth relatively quickly. Depending on your original treatment, you may find today’s braces are more comfortable and stylish, with more options for fun color combinations!
Clear/Ceramic braces.
Clear braces are a popular choice for those who want to make a less noticeable impression while going through the teeth-straightening process. Like metal braces, clear braces use brackets and wires to help straighten teeth. They are made of ceramic material and are also set with brackets.
The main benefit of getting clear braces is that they are translucent. This just means they are designed to blend in with your teeth for a more natural look. However, it’s important to note that clear braces are more fragile than traditional metal braces. They can also discolor from things like juice or coffee between visits, so it’s important to be careful when choosing clear braces for treatment.
Restore your smile with Master Orthodontics.
At Master Orthodontics, we want to help you become the Master of your oral health journey. We offer high-quality orthodontics, cutting-edge technology, affordable financing, and a compassionate manner you won’t find anywhere else. Please call us if you’re considering treatment options and live in the Bremerton, Gig Harbor, and Port Orchard, WA, or surrounding areas. We’d love to get you started with your next consultation!
