Written by Keith R. Dobrin, DMD, MBA
“But I had braces when I was younger! What do you mean my teeth are going to shift throughout my life?” Just when you thought aging couldn’t get any worse, boom! Your lower front teeth start crowding up. While this might sound dramatic, the truth is, it takes some effort to keep your teeth looking good as you get older, just like any other part of the body. That means not only seeing the dentist for routine exams and cleanings every six months but also making time for the orthodontist, at least yearly—even as an adult after you have had orthodontic treatment.
Why Do Teeth Shift?
At Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics, a large family practice, we often treat adolescent patients either before or alongside their parents. We live in esthetically conscious times, and teeth are often the first thing we notice—whether in person or during a Zoom call. As a result, more and more adults are pursuing treatment to create not only beautiful but, more importantly, healthy smiles with teeth that are easier to clean and maintain. Crowded teeth prevent optimal cleaning, which also affects gum health.
So, why does this happen? Our bones are constantly growing and remodeling, especially in the lower anterior jaw. Once teeth begin to overlap, it can lead to a domino effect, making the situation worse over time. That’s where orthodontists come in—the sooner the better. Those who address the issue early often require less treatment time to correct it.
Preventing Future Shifting
Anticipated shifting of teeth is another reason we commonly place a fixed permanent retainer behind the lower six front teeth (the most likely teeth to shift) to maintain their positions and prevent future movement after we’ve resolved the concerns. This fixed retainer is small, smooth, and inconspicuous; most patients forget it’s even there soon after it’s placed. Patients truly value this type of retainer, and at Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics, we are always available for follow-up care and regular maintenance checks.
Other Conditions: Crowding and Spacing
Crowding isn’t the only condition we see in adult patients who may or may not have been treated in the past. Sometimes, we even see spacing issues, such as gaps between the upper front teeth. This can be caused by not wearing a retainer nightly or at least a few nights per week, even years after treatment. It can also result from shifting of the lower teeth, creating an imperfect bite.
Successful treatment and consistent compliance with retainers can avoid these situations, leaving you with the smile you were aiming for when you first started treatment.
Your Smile Matters—At Any Age
At Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics, we treat adults with both Invisalign and braces, including esthetic clear braces to fix the shifts that may have affected your smile. Don’t hesitate to call for a complimentary consultation so we can evaluate your situation—no concern is too big, nor too small. We see it all and strive for perfection.
And don’t forget, if you ever feel embarrassed about considering orthodontic treatment as an adult, remember these two things:
- You are never too old to create a healthy smile.
- With masks still in use, why not come out of this pandemic looking and feeling better than ever?
Contact Us
Wishing you all the best from your neighbors, the Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics team. Stay healthy, Ramsey!
Waldwick Office
- Phone: (201) 447-1611
- Address: 90 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 07463
Teaneck Office
- Phone: (201) 692-1455
- Address: 175 Cedar Lane, Suite 1, Teaneck, NJ 07666
About Dr. Keith Dobrin
Dr. Keith Dobrin, from Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics and XtraOrdinary Smiles Orthodontics, is a recognized orthodontic specialist with a degree in Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. His research on braces adhering to teeth has been published, and given his experience and expertise, he has been selected to test various orthodontic products from national and international companies. Schedule your complimentary consultation appointment today!