ORTHODONTICS?
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BEGIN ORTHODONTICS?

Though an Orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense.

The Canadian and American Association of Orthodontists recommend that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7.

At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EARLY ORTHODONTICS EVALUATION?

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontics intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

We will offer annual complimentary recall examinations to monitor your child’s jaw growth and dental development until comprehensive orthodontic treatment will be most beneficial.

THE RIGHT TIME FOR BRACES

Most people believe that if they didn’t get braces while they were adolescents it’s too late to get them as adults. The truth, though, is that you can get braces no matter how old (or young) you are. Obviously there are some risks involved with putting them in a very young mouth or on baby teeth, because nobody can predict what will happen with the adult teeth once they have grown in.

As soon as someone has had his entire set of adult teeth come in, though, he can get braces whenever he (or his parents) wants him to have them.

If you are a mother or father and you have a son or daughter that needs ORTHODONTICS , the earlier your child gets them, the better for your child. An orthodontist will even see children as young as second or third grade because it is common for teeth to need to have at least some degree or preparatory work done before the braces can be put once the child has gotten older.

If you think your son or daughter might need to have braces, make an appointment with dentist as soon as your child is old enough for the visit. More than a few people have discovered that if the work gets done early enough in life, the braces don’t have to be kept on the teeth for nearly as long.

Inpiduals who wait to get braces until they are adults are going to have to have the work done over a longer period of time. This is because an adult jaw is completely formed. Your teeth have stopped moving and are in what you believe to be their final spaces. As you grew up, your teeth stayed pretty loose—at least in terms of positions so that there would be room for new teeth as they grew in.

After your teeth have stopped growing in, though, the roots become secure and correcting a tooth’s position gets much more difficult.

That doesn’t mean that if you are an adult you can’t get your teeth straight. A lot of people wait until they are all grown up to have work done on their teeth because their parents couldn’t afford to do the work when they were kids. A quarter of all orthodontics patients are grownups.

Basically the right time to get braces is whatever time your mouth is ready to handle them and you are able to afford to have the work performed. Yes, it’s easier to do the work when you’re a teenager since, because your jaw and your teeth are still growing, the work is much easier to do.

It also gives you more time for prep work like headgear before you get the braces themselves…not to mention that you won’t have to wear the braces for nearly as long.

WHY SHOULD MALOCCLUSIONS BE TREATED?

According to studies, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Cross bites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.

Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a beautiful smile—it creates a healthier you

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. Your journey to a new smile can begin today.

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.

Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options.

Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces or transparent aligners that can be worn at night to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth. Many of our adult patients are surprised to learn that some teeth can be straightened without braces ORTHODONTICS . Clear aligners, a set of clear, removable aligners, can occasionally be used in place of traditional braces.

During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your inpidual needs. During this initial examination, we can outline the treatment plan for ORTHODONTICS , time of treatment expected and the approximate cost.

A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset – their smile.