Saskatoon – Stephenson Orthodontics
The changes in our smiles from infancy to old age are a testament to the many changes our bodies undergo. Each stage of life, from the emergence of baby teeth to the potential need for dentures, tells a unique story. In this blog, we’ll outline the course of one’s smile through the ages, highlighting the importance of orthodontic interventions at the right stages and offering insights into preserving that straight, radiant smile into your later years.
The Childhood Smile: Crafting the Canvas
As the baby teeth make way for the permanent set, this is a critical time when orthodontic issues may first be identified. Early intervention with orthodontic braces can guide the permanent teeth into more favourable positions, preventing serious problems later. Parents play a pivotal role here, as they’re the ones who often first notice irregularities in their child’s smile. Children should see an orthodontist around age 7, as orthodontic consultations can lead to corrective treatments, ensuring the child’s oral health starts on the right foot.
Addressing Overcrowding and Misaligned Bites
Orthodontic procedures such as braces and palatal expanders can address issues like overcrowding, where there’s simply not enough room in the jaw for all the teeth to fit comfortably. Similarly, treatments for underbites, overbites, crossbites, and open bites can help to correct the child’s bite, allowing for proper chewing and speech development.
Building Confidence and Comfort
Beyond the medical benefits, orthodontics at a young age can lay the groundwork for confidence. A straight, beautiful smile can boost a child’s self-esteem, encouraging them to smile more freely and boldly into their future.
Braces in the Teenage Years: Navigating Social Tides
For many, the teenage years are synonymous with braces. This rite of passage is about more than just straightening teeth—it’s about instilling discipline and patience. Braces during this time not only align the teeth but also adjust any discrepancies in the bite that could lead to structural dental issues in adulthood.
The Social Stigma of Braces
While there may be some initial self-consciousness about wearing braces, the social acceptance of orthodontic treatments during this phase can ease the experience. In fact, modern braces with their adaptability, color variety and innovations like clear aligners, can ironically provide a sense of individuality and expression.
The Long-Term Gains of Short-Term Inconvenience
It’s important to reassure teenagers that the relatively short duration of braces is a small investment for a lifetime of dental health. Discussing the potential consequences of not correcting orthodontic issues can provide a strong motivating factor.
The 20s: Retaining Your Straight Smile
Post-braces, the 20s are all about maintenance. Orthodontic retainers become the new norm, ensuring the teeth don’t shift back to their original position. This period is crucial for diligent oral hygiene habits to cement the success of earlier orthodontic treatments.
Adulthood and Oral Health Commitments
Life in the 20s is often marked by change and transition, but it’s also the time to establish routines. Regular orthodontic check-ups can detect any shifts or new issues early, making them easier to correct.
The Impact of Lifestyle Choices
Smoking, excessive sugar consumption, and poor dental hygiene can all affect the straightness of your teeth. By avoiding these pitfalls, young adults can maintain the results of their earlier braces or aligner treatments.
The 30s and Beyond: Weathering the Natural Shifts
As we move into our 30s and 40s, a phenomenon known as “late mandibular growth” can occur, the jaw continues to shift and accommodate the change in tooth growth. This can cause teeth to move, emphasizing the ongoing need for retainers and good orthodontic habits.
Adapting to Change
Adult orthodontics are not uncommon, especially for those who didn’t receive orthodontic treatment during adolescence. With more discreet options available, straightening teeth as an adult is both feasible and less noticeable socially.
The Role of Technology in Maintaining Adult Smiles
Technological advancements in orthodontics offer a variety of options, from lingual braces to clear aligners designed specifically for adults’ needs. These treatments can be tailored to fit into the busiest of adult lifestyles, providing a path to sustain a straight, healthy smile.
Orthodontics in the Later Years: Preserving Straight Teeth
In your 60s and beyond, maintaining straight teeth can become more challenging, as natural wear and tear on the gums and jaw can impact alignment. Regular dental visits are vital to catch these changes early and seek orthodontic advice if necessary.
Dentures: An Alternative to Keep Smiling
For some, dentures may become a necessary part of life due to age-related oral health issues. And while dentures can replace the appearance of your natural smile, they can’t replicate its normal function. Orthodontics, even at this late stage, can play a role in ensuring comfortable fitting dentures.
Investing in a Beautiful, Functional Smile
Orthodontic treatments may take longer in the later years, but the benefits of a straight, functional smile remain. With options that take the special considerations of older adults into account, orthodontic work can enhance quality of life in numerous ways.
In Conclusion: The Chronological Map of Your Smile
Understanding the importance of orthodontic care at every life stage underscores the value of maintaining a straight, healthy smile. From the careful crafting of a child’s first smiles to the preservation of an elder’s grin, orthodontics serve a vital role in our overall well-being. As oral health is directly connected to our confidence, speech, and even digestion, investing in orthodontic care is an investment in a fuller life. Remember, age is no barrier to a beautiful smile, and if anything, it becomes even more precious with time.
For a free consult, reach our office at 306-653-3955 or book an appointment below.
Stephenson Orthodontics
301 The Tower at Midtown
201 1st Ave South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1J5
