 Early
Treatment
The growth spurt at puberty is very important in orthodontics.
This is the time when much of the development of the face
occurs. Treatment during this period allows the doctors to
favorably influence the facial profile in a growing child.
Once growth of the facial bones is complete, correction of
skeletal discrepancies usually requires surgery.
Children are evaluated at an early age so the doctors can
give an early diagnosis and start treatment, which can guide
erupting teeth into a more favorable position, preserve space
for the permanent teeth and reduce the likelihood of fracturing
protruded front teeth. Also, early treatment may shorten treatment
time; make treatment easier and in some cases less expensive.
Appearance has been related to popularity, social behaviors,
self-expectation, personality style and self-esteem. Early
orthodontic treatment may lessen the likelihood that a child
will be teased by other children.
Treatment may reduce appearance-consciousness and the emotional
scarring that can occur during critical developmental years.
Also, as adolescents enter the sensitive teenage years, they
become far less receptive to orthodontic therapy.
Braces for Children
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a screening
exam by an orthodontist by age 7. Our doctors agree with,
and adhere to this recommendation. Orthodontic success begins
at age 7.
At an early age the orthodontist is able to detect developing
orthodontic problems. We utilize a panoramic x-ray that enables
us to see all of the teeth that are in a patient’s mouth
and also those still developing under the gums. It allows
the orthodontist to see missing permanent teeth, impacted
teeth, teeth that are erupting into the wrong position, development
of crowding and spacing problems and bad bites. It may be
appropriate to treat these developing problems at a young
age to prevent them from deteriorating and causing serious
problems.
Some orthodontic problems are a combination of teeth positioning
problems and skeletal problems. In children, the facial bones
are growing and can be manipulated and moved by the orthodontist
to correct the skeletal part of the problem. This is not possible
in older patients that are no longer growing. If the skeletal
problem is severe, it can only be corrected with jaw surgery
after the patient stops growing. For this reason, some orthodontic
problems are best treated with a two step approach.
The first step is done while the patient is still growing
and still has some primary, or baby, teeth present. The skeletal
part of the problem is corrected at this time. The second
step is done after all of the permanent teeth have erupted
and growth has slowed or stopped.
Braces for Adults
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain.
This may contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss,
abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, broken teeth, inefficient
chewing, excessive stress on the bone that supports the teeth,
and misalignment of the jaw joints. These problems can result
in chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck.
When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse.
Treatment by a specialist to correct the orthodontic problem
is often less costly, complicated, and less painful than the
additional dental care required to treat the more serious
problems that can develop in later years.
The value of an attractive smile should not be underestimated.
A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one’s self-confidence.
A person’s self-esteem often improves as treatment brings
teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic
treatment can benefit social status, career success, as well
as improve one’s general attitude toward life.
No matter your age, it is never too early or late to improve
your dental health and beautify your smile!
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