 Your dentist may have discussed with you the
benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment.
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain.
This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead
to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute
to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function,
excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports
the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead
to chronic headaches and face or neck pain. Treatment by
an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care
required to treat dental problems arising as a result of
orthodontic problems. For most people, a beautiful smile
is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces
come off, you’ll
feel more self-confident.
Adults:
Orthodontic treatment can be successful
at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits
of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic
treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required
for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not
growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown
of 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.
Kids:
It’s best for the orthodontist
to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment
is required and 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 monitor the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent
teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the
upper dental arch, 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.
More Treatment Information »
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