Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/84343
live in good health Straighten Up By Camille Albert Why do teeth shift as you age? While many adults never had braces, even those who went through years of orthodontic treatment may be in need of some realignment. Why? Your teeth con- tinue to shift as you age. For some, the reason may be improper use of a retainer over the years while for others, the cause is natural narrowing of the jaw that takes place as we age. "As the jaw narrows, tooth crowding can come back," Santos- Rangsuebsin explains. How can you fix the problem? No one wants to relive the awkward days of braces. Luckily, today's technology brings good news for all ages: There are now ways to align your teeth without having a mouth full of metal. Brands such as Invisalign allow you to straighten your smile via clear, removable plastic braces. There are also tooth-colored braces that are next to invisible and lingual braces that fit behind your teeth. Plus, traditional metal braces are now much smaller and sleeker than years ago! Why should you ask about your options? Misaligned teeth can lead to problems including abnormal wearing of tooth surfaces, difficulty chewing or difficulty cleaning between teeth. And with research showing a correlation between cavities, gum disease and heart disease, choosing to straighten your smile may have long- lasting implications. "Having a straight, well-spaced, healthy smile makes it easier to brush and floss effectively," Santos- Rangsuebsin says. "It's never too late to [fix your smile]." Braces may bring back memories of your teenage years, but 25 percent of orthodontic patients today are adults. Considering braces? Orthodontic expert Dr. Sarah Santos-Rangsuebsin of First Choice Dental offers the straight-up truth on aligning your smile 14 BRAVA Magazine October 2012