There is no “right” age for children to begin orthodontic treatment. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven.

By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for an orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.

Early treatment lets your orthodontist:

• Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
• Create more space for crowded teeth
• Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
• Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems

Are you a parent wondering when to start the orthodontic journey with your child?

Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• A hard time chewing or biting food
• Mouth breathing
• Finger or thumb sucking
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
• Jaws that click/pop or make sounds when opening and closing
• Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
• Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.

The right of passage into becoming a teenager: BRACES!

You’ve got Braces! Now what?

Don't worry! Braces aren't nearly as scary as you may have heard. In fact, braces today come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, making life with braces much easier and even more stylish than in the past.

How long will I have to wear braces?

The amount of time it takes to treat your smile with braces depends on three key factors:

• Early treatment — Early treatment allows orthodontists to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Not every patient receives early orthodontic treatment; in some cases it may be recommended that a patient wait to receive treatment.

• Correct treatment time — The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently. While it may take one patient only 12 months to complete treatment, it may take another patient 24 months. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly a patient’s body responds and how much work is needed to give the patient the show-stopping smile he or she expects.

• YOU! — Your willingness to use the appliances your orthodontist gives you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to take care of your braces and appliances; doing so will truly will help make your treatment shorter!

Braces – They’re not just for teens!

The American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive orthodontic treatments because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Many adults today are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care – don’t let age stop you from a getting your perfect smile!

Common reasons why adults consider orthodontic treatment:

• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
• Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly causing tooth decay or gum disease
• Abnormal jaw pain, or pressure caused by crooked teeth
• Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile

Adult Treatment Options

For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. However, today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your smile needs.

Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding, compassion and respect from us.