Why Are My Teeth Getting Darker Over Time?
A bright, youthful smile inspires confidence. A dull, lackluster one? Not so much. Read on to learn why teeth get darker as you age.
It's Never Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth: Learn About Adult Orthodontics
Orthodontics isn’t just for children. Adults have crooked teeth and misaligned bites, too. It can stem from crooked teeth that were never straightened during childhood or as a result of tooth loss or trauma.
Regardless of the cause, Dr. J.A. Duval, of Duval Orthodontics, offers a variety of teeth straightening appliances for adults.
Causes of crooked teeth in adults
Your adult teeth and bite can shift for many reasons. One common cause is losing a tooth and not replacing it. When this happens, it causes your surrounding teeth to shift into the empty space, which also creates spaces between your other teeth.
Some other causes of crooked teeth and misaligned bites include:
- Dental restorations (crowns) that don’t fit properly
- Trauma to the face
- Gum disease
- Too much pressure on your teeth and jaw from bruxism (grinding and clenching)
- Genetics
- Changes in tooth structure (decay, cracks, or chips)
Aligning your smile with adult orthodontic appliances not only fixes alignment issues, but it also helps keep your smile and jaw healthy.
Types of adult orthodontics
Everyone has a unique smile with different needs, that’s why Duval Orthodontics provides many types of orthodontic appliances for adults.
Invisalign®
If you want to shift your teeth discreetly, Invisalign is the way to go. Invisalign utilizes clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth in place without anyone knowing. They’re uniquely made from personalized dental impressions, ensuring a tight, snug fit.
Invisalign aligners are best for minor malocclusion issues, like slightly misaligned teeth, gaps, and bite issues.
Expander
Palatal expanders attach to your upper molars and the roof of your mouth. Expanders increase the width of your upper jaw so your top and bottom teeth better fit together.
Traditional braces
Traditional braces are the most common type of orthodontic appliance and also one of the most effective when it comes to straightening teeth. Made from durable, high-grade stainless steel, traditional braces provide a comfortable way for you to correct alignment issues.
Braces options for adults
Sometimes braces are the best option for your smile. But traditional braces aren’t for everyone, so we offer different types, including:
Six Month Smiles®
Six Month Smiles can get your teeth straightened in just six months. You heard that right — six months. These braces have clear brackets and use wires that match your natural tooth’s color. They’re a great option for realigning your front teeth in a short time.
Damon® braces
Most types of braces require you to periodically tighten the archwire, which adds a little more pressure to your teeth to slowly realign them. This also means you need to see Dr. Duval every few weeks so he can tighten them.
If you’re like most adults, you have a tight schedule that may interfere with frequent follow-ups. Enter Damon braces.
The Damon system uses self-ligating brackets made from memory-shaping material. This means your teeth shift into proper alignment without needing the archwire tightened. They’re easier on your mouth and can straighten your teeth faster than traditional metal braces.
Incognito™ braces
Many patients choose Invisalign due to its ability to straighten your teeth discreetly, but they work best for minor bite issues or slightly crooked teeth.
With Incognito braces, you can correct your alignment issues while getting the same discreet treatment Invisalign offers. They attach behind your teeth instead of the front, so nobody can tell you’re wearing them.
Getting your orthodontic appliance
Getting started with orthodontics is a simple process. During your initial consultation with Dr. Duval, he performs an exam that includes using a special scanner to evaluate your teeth and bite. From there, he discusses which orthodontic appliance can offer you the best results.
To learn more about orthodontic options, schedule an appointment with Duval Orthodontics by giving us a call or using our quick and easy online scheduling tool.
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