ADULTS & ORTHODONTICS

Certainly times have changed when it comes to adults and orthodontic treatment. In our office, 1 out of 4 patients starting treatment is an adult. Many of these adult patients did not get braces as an adolescent. They can now afford treatment, want a beautiful smile and a healthy bite. Others have had braces as a child, however, either due to growth or lack of compliance, their teeth are no longer straight. There are no age limits when it comes to adult treatment. At any age, taking care of your smile and overall oral health is just part of taking care of yourself.
Your smile may be the most distinctive and important feature on your face. Orthodontic treatment in our office is geared toward profile esthetics and treating to the aging face. Orthodontic treatment can enhance our appearance and give us a wonderful smile.

So what are some clinical concerns when it comes to adults and orthodontics? As an adult we heal more slowly and as a result, treatment compared to a growing individual may take a little longer. Obviously, this depends on how involved your case may be. A comprehensive approach to orthodontic treatment may also be necessary. This means that a close relationship with your general dentist and even other specialists may be necessary to obtain the best treatment result.

With the advent of new technologies we can move teeth in a gentler manner. New innovative braces can decrease treatment time and minimize the number and length of appointments. Newer esthetic braces have increased the overall acceptance of orthodontic treatment. We have entered a new and exciting time for orthodontics which will give more people beautiful and healthy smiles.

What's the Best Age for an Orthodontic Consult?

Many parents often ask, when should my child be seen by an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children by the age of 7 years old should have an orthodontic evaluation. There are certain types of problems that may be addressed before all the permanent teeth have erupted. There are definte advantages to correcting these problems early; however, visiting an orthodontist does not necessarily mean that treatment may begin!

Here is a list of some typical problems that may need to be addressed and why.

1. Moving front teeth back to prevent injury.
2. Improving and guiding the growth and development of the upper and lower jaws.
3. Minimizing and preventing the removal of permanent teeth.
4. Intervening to possibly avoid later involved treatment.
5. Improving a child's facial appearance and speech development.
6. Taking advantage of good cooperation at an early age.

These are just a few of the things that orthodontists typically look for when seeing a child at an early age. Getting to know a patient early can definitely help in establishing a healthy and beautiful smile because this is ultimately a team effort that involves the patient, the family dentist and the orthodontist.

Why go to an orthodontist? An orthodontist is a dentist who has spent 2 to 3 years in a specialty residency program focused on tooth movement, facial development and how teeth fit together to provide optimal function and esthetics. For example: if you had a heart condition , you would not see your general physician, you would see a cardiologist. Just the same, if you needed your teeth straight or your bite fixed, you would go to an orthodontist.

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