For Children and Adults
For Children and Adults | Why Braces? | Two-Phase Treatment | Ortho Dictionary
Orthodontics for Children
In many cases, orthodontic treatment is best begun before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and when is the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Waiting for 2-3 years for all of the permanent teeth to erupt may result in trauma to protruding teeth causing fracture or even loss. The psychological damage caused by waiting to treat a disfiguring protrusion should also be considered. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every 4 patients in Dr. Frankel’s office is over 21. Adult orthodontic treatment differs from that for children in several ways. Growth guidance as a tool for treatment must be replaced by different techniques. In some instances, jaw surgery to align the jaws combined with orthodontics to align the teeth may be necessary to achieve the most ideal results. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable. As a result of constantly improving technology, such as self-ligating ceramic brackets, computerized placement of braces (OrthoCad IQ) and invisalign, orthodontic treatment for adults is more comfortable and takes less time than ever before. It should come as no surprise that the fastest growing segment of orthodontic care is for adults.