ORTHODONTICS FOR CHILDREN

Even though most people think of pre-teens and teens when they think of orthodontics, there are good reasons your child should have an orthodontic evaluation much sooner. Both the Canadian and American Association of Orthodontists recommend a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. 

  • Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.

  • While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect. 

  • Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. 

  • In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing. 

  • Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to: 

    • guide jaw growth 

    • lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth 

    • correct harmful oral habits 

    • improve appearance 

    • guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position 

    • improve the way lips meet 

  • Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

ORTHODONTICS FOR ADOLESCENTS

Most orthodontic treatment performed is during the adolescent and teenage years when the majority of the permanent teeth have erupted. The best time to place braces for girls is approximately ages 11-12 and for boys ages 11-14. These times may vary depending on the rate of development and maturity of the patient.

Most children this age are experiencing growth spurts.  An orthodontist can use this rapid growth to assist in the process of correcting the bites, especially the more difficult ones such as narrow dental arches and severe overbites.

Another reason this is a good time to start orthodontic treatment is because at age 12 or 13 it is still “cool” to have braces and thus it is easier to secure the patient’s cooperation.  Patient cooperation is vital for a good final orthodontic result.  In our clinic we consistently find that if the patient is cooperative we can finish their treatment significantly sooner.

Our goal is to provide correctly aligned teeth with ideal jaw function and a beautiful smile!

ORTHODONTICS FOR ADULTS

The obvious reason many adults pursue orthodontic treatment is for improved smile esthetics. There are, however, numerous other incentives for improving one’s smile later in life:

  • Improve overall functionality and health of teeth and bite
  • Eliminate uneven wear or grinding of teeth
  • Allow access for better oral hygiene
  • Reduce/stop breakdown or loss of teeth and bone that supports the teeth
  • Re-establish space of previously extracted or missing teeth for future bridges or implants
  • Improve breathing and eliminate snoring/CPAP with a combined orthodontic/surgical plan

Numerous advancements in technology now make it possible to treat even the most conservative of patients.  From Invisalign® to traditional braces, you are sure to find something to suit your lifestyle and budget while still giving you a great smile!