Orthodontics for Children
While there is no single ideal age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit around age seven.
By this age, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, giving the orthodontist a clear picture of how the teeth and jaw are developing — making it easier to identify and address issues early, often without surgery.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:
- Guide jaw growth to help permanent teeth come in properly
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create space for crowded teeth
- Reduce the likelihood of permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Address thumb sucking habits and minor speech concerns
It’s not always obvious when a child needs orthodontic attention.
Signs that your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Mouth-breathing
- Finger or thumb-sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaw popping or clicking when opening and closing
- Teeth that meet abnormally or don’t come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that appear out of proportion with the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Contact our practice to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now sets the foundation for a healthy, beautiful smile for life.
Orthodontics for Teens
Braces, retainers, and everything else you want to know about orthodontic treatment!
You just heard the three words that make every teen nervous: “YOU NEED BRACES!”
Braces! What now?
Take a breath — braces aren’t nearly as scary as they seem. Today’s braces come in a wide variety of styles, materials, and colors, making treatment more comfortable, convenient, and even more stylish than ever before.
How long will I have to wear braces?
Treatment time depends on three key factors:
- Early treatment — Starting earlier gives the orthodontist the chance to monitor jaw development and step in at the right time. Not everyone starts early; sometimes waiting is the better approach.
- What needs correction — The complexity of your case determines how long treatment takes. One patient may be done in 12 months; another might need 24 months. Every smile responds differently, and treatment time is tailored to your specific needs.
- YOU! — Your cooperation is everything. Wearing your appliances as instructed, keeping appointments, and taking care of your braces will directly impact how quickly your treatment goes. The more consistent you are, the shorter your treatment!
Braces Your Way!
Our practice offers a variety of brace types and styles to fit your lifestyle and preferences, including:
- Ceramic braces
- Invisible braces
- Lingual braces
- Traditional metal braces
Braces are a normal part of life for a huge number of teens, and today’s options make it easy to look and feel great throughout treatment. Contact us to schedule your next orthodontic checkup!
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids and teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists reports that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. More adults than ever are seeking treatment to protect their long-term health and feel better about their smiles. If you’ve been putting it off, there’s never been a better time to start.
Common reasons adults consider orthodontic treatment:
- A bad bite or malocclusion causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
- Crowded or spaced teeth increasing the risk of decay or gum disease
- Jaw pain or pressure caused by misaligned teeth
- Wanting a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
Treatment options for adults
Many adults hesitate because they imagine a mouth full of metal braces. But today’s treatment options are far more varied, comfortable, and discreet than in the past. Types of braces available include:
- Clear braces
- Ceramic braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Lingual (behind the tooth) braces
- Invisible braces
- Traditional metal braces
How adult orthodontics differs from treating children and teens:
The key distinction is that younger patients’ jawbones are still developing. Adult jawbones have stopped growing, which may increase the possibility of orthognathic surgery to align the jaws. Other considerations include:
- Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more prone to gum recession and bone loss from gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean and less susceptible to gum disease.
- Worn or missing teeth — Teeth can shift and tilt over time, creating bite problems and increasing gum disease risk. Orthodontic treatment can address these shifts effectively.
- Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults never finished the treatment they started as kids or teens. Now is the perfect time to complete the process and achieve the smile you always wanted.
We understand that adults have unique needs and appreciate a different level of care and communication. We’ll work with you to ensure your treatment plan is appropriate, respectful, and tailored to your life.
Why should adults consider orthodontic treatment?
- Straight teeth are healthier teeth — Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- A beautiful smile builds confidence — Orthodontic treatment can improve your self-esteem, giving you the freedom to smile without hesitation.
- Untreated issues tend to worsen — Delaying orthodontic care when it’s needed can lead to more complex — and costly — problems down the road.
To learn more about adult orthodontics, contact our practice to schedule a consultation. We understand your schedule is busy and will make every visit as efficient and convenient as possible.
