As we get older the structures of our mouth will occasionally shift. Our teeth will migrate and often our third molars will begin to come in. This can cause misalignment that result in discomfort and also a less attractive appearance. Fortunately, there is a branch of dentistry that treats these problems. Unfortunately, the majority of us have orthodontics when we are children or adolescents and often the treatment ends before we have finished growing. These specialized dentists are able to make any smile straighter and better aligned. That is why there is a growing trend among adults to return to orthodontists or other dentists to have revisions to the treatment they received in their youth. When they do go they are finding that the field has grown in leaps and bounds and that there are many new treatments that are much more discreet and much less invasive.

Dentists today are able to make braces smaller and less obtrusive than ever before. Today the actual brace is significantly smaller and exposes far less metal than in years past. It is even possible to have them constructed of a ceramic-like material that is very near to the color of the enamel. Although not invisible they are far less noticeable and definitely not as embarrassing as hey once were. They also are using something called lingual braces which go on the tongue side of the mouth and therefore are not visible unless someone looks inside.

Another and in many ways more popular trend is the use of nearly invisible trays to realign teeth. Invisalign, as it is called, is a system in which the patient wears a series of progressively straighter and more aligned plates that gently shift the teeth. They are clear and slip over teeth much like a mouth guard. They are almost invisible and allow a lot more freedom than traditional treatment methods. They can be removed for eating and drinking and can be taken out so that the whole teeth can be thoroughly cleaned. Many adults are opting to talk to their dentists about these because of the subtlety and freedom.

For adults considering treatment to realign their smile it is critical that they consult with their dentists. The years of wear and tear that older people have put on their mouths can sometimes be pivotal in determining how viable they are for treatment. In many instances decay and gum disease makes the torque and strain of traditional orthodontics impossible. For these people they are often better off seeking the help of an oral surgeon or the possibility of cosmetic dentistry to find another way of correcting their smile. In fact many people opt to have prosthetics like veneers or dental implants to recreate their beautiful smile.