Early Treatment for Children
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened by an orthodontist by age 7. This early screening allows for prevention and more successful correction of growth and developmental problems since a child's bone structure is actively growing. Preventative and interceptive orthodontics are two major goals of our treatment. We believe in early orthodontic treatment to modify unfavorable growth patterns of the jaws early on to decrease the need for extracting teeth or having jaw surgery in the future. Also, a great smile during those forming years can lead to greater self-confidence and better socialization.
The following are some of the issues that warrant Early Treatment:
- Severe crowding
- Large overbite (Deep bite)
- Large overjet (Protrusion of front teeth or “Buck Teeth”)
- Crossbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Midlines not matching up
- Jaws not growing coordinated
- Thumb sucking
- Tongue thrusting
Adolescent Treatment
Between the ages of 11 and 15 most, if not all of the permanent teeth have erupted and your adolescent is ready to begin orthodontic treatment as needed. Crooked teeth and bad bites do not correct themselves, so this is the best time to seek orthodontic treatment since there is still growth remaining.
This is also a good time for orthodontic treatment because many children nowadays are interested in getting braces as way of “fitting in,” since most of their friends are also going through the same experience. At this young age the pressures of life, family, and work and the negative associations of braces are not present yet.
In addition, adolescents at this age are growing rapidly, and orthodontists can take advantage of these growth spurts to help change the bone structure, the bite and the teeth for better results. Also, the high metabolisms during these years helps shorten overall treatment time and reduce the discomfort of orthodontic treatment.
Adult Treatment
Keep in mind that orthodontics is not just for children and adolescents. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. About 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults. Tooth-colored braces and invisible orthodontics (Invisalign®) along with other developments in techniques have made adult orthodontics cosmetically acceptable and technically simple.
More adults are accepting orthodontic treatment these days, knowing that a beautiful smile is a healthier smile and looking great at any age may improve your personal, social, and professional life. Crooked teeth and bad bites can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the enamel, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ) pain.
Adult treatment may take longer since it is more difficult to move teeth in non-growing bone structure. Also, certain bite problems are impossible to fix with orthodontics alone, and jaw surgery may be required for ideal facial, skeletal, and bite results. After the initial application of braces, you will notice your braces, feel them, and be sore for about 3-5 days. Following your periodic orthodontic adjustments (tightening), you may experience some soreness also. In time, you will not notice your braces and the tenderness associated with adjustments will be minimal.
Our adult patients are the best patients. They want the treatment, they are highly committed, and at the end, they are so happy that they finally did it!
Please visit our First Visit page for more details.