Crooked Teeth Tanya - Just Jill

  Just Jill is the creation of Jill Cohen Morris. Jill is an avid Rambler and mother of two from Toronto, Canada, with a remarkable zest for life and a fabulous sense of humor.

Dear Just Jill,

I’m 60 and thinking of getting braces! Does this even make sense? Never thought that sentence would come out of my mouth!

In my early teens, like most, I had braces, headgear (ugh, remember that?), and a retainer … the whole deal. My teeth were perfect!

Over the years, they have shifted. Fast forward 45 plus years, and they are a bit of a mess. My teeth are no longer aligned, which is causing inflammation. I am told this can cause bone loss, especially at my age.

Truthfully, I used to love my smile, and now I find myself trying to hide my teeth when I smile.

Have any Sole Sisters had recent experience with orthodontics? Braces or Invisalign? I have decided to go ahead, just not sure which route to choose.

What’s a gal to do?

Sincerely,

Crooked Teeth Tanya

Sole Sister Advice & Comments 

• I am a big supporter of this! It is your face and your smile, not to mention way better oral health if your teeth are aligned. Also, they will only become more crowded as you age. Why not fix it if you can! Also, most people would benefit from wearing a mouth guard at night to prevent shifting. I had major orthodontic work as a teen. When I noticed my teeth started to shift in my 40s, I got a mouth guard to preserve the smile I have. It has worked like a charm!
  
  
• Great topic! About four years ago, my dentist asked when did my top teeth start moving around. Odd as I had never really thought about it, but I certainly had some movement that had pushed some of my top teeth backwards. I took the cue and went through about a year of Invisalign to correct my smile. I did it during the pandemic, so I was happily masked during public moments. Everything worked really well for me, and I am super happy with the results. Retainer every night now for the rest of my life, not a big deal, I’m so used to it!
  
  
• I bought myself braces for my 50th birthday, and I'm talking full-on top and bottom braces! Not Invisalign! I was getting horrible headaches, and my teeth were all over the place. Had them on for 2 years and am so glad I did it. I wear top and bottom retainers at night, but they're not huge like the old school ones. The Invisalign seems to be better for people who don't need too much moving of teeth. Your orthodontist should be able to help figure out what's best in your case. 
  
  
• There are also issues with braces as we age, causing slight mobility and bone loss. Ask the orthodontist about this as well at your consult. They don't mention this. It still may be worth doing, but good to have all the facts. Root resorption can occur while wearing braces, which is why it's important to understand what it is, how it is caused, and what it means for patients affected by it. Thankfully, most cases of root resorption have no adverse effects and are an expected part of the process of wearing braces.
  
  
• Go see an orthodontist pronto. If your roots are good and you're a good candidate, I don't think it's something you'll ever regret. Plus, your teeth will age better when they are aligned.
  
  

• And my Aunty got them at 70 yrs old ... so I figure go for it!

  
  
• Life’s too short! If it will make you happier and smile more, go for it!