Good news! Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. If your gums and bone structure are healthy, tooth alignment can be altered at any age. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is just as important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, as well as headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.
Caryl Orthodontics provides several options for orthodontic treatment. The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, the frequency of visits and shorten treatment time. Nowadays, braces are generally less noticeable than those of the past. Brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth and wires are made from “space-age” materials that stimulate a consistent gentle pressure on the teeth, making the movement process more comfortable.
Invisalign ®, the clear way to straighten teeth using aligners, is a wonderful option for patients who prefer not to wear conventional orthodontic appliances. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
During your initial examination, Dr. Caryl will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs.
Retention
After the first few months of wear, retainers can be worn only at night. By this time, your teeth will be more stable. Over time, you should gradually reduce wear from every night to three nights a week and ultimately to around one night per week to keep the teeth aligned. However, if you want your teeth to remain in alignment, it will be necessary to wear your retainers forever.
It is important to keep your retainers clean. You should clean them every day using a toothbrush and cool water. Retainers can be soaked in Efferdent or some other denture cleaner once a week to help kill bacteria, which cause odors and irritate the mouth.
When you are not wearing your retainers, be sure to place them in their case. They are very fragile and can be misplaced. If your retainer is lost or broken, there will be a charge to replace it.
There are different types of retainers that can be used after orthodontic treatment. Hawley retainers are made with wires and acrylic. These retainers are to be worn 24 hours a day. Essix molded plastic retainers are used more commonly now after braces. They are made from models of the teeth the same day that the braces are removed. They are worn every night for the first year, 3 nights per week for the second year and one night per week after that. The Essix retainers are cleaned with a toothbrush and water only. Mouthwash can then be sprayed on them to kill bacteria and keep them cleaner. They should then be stored in the case you will receive with them.