Your smile is the most striking part of your face
which is why millions of people each year seek orthodontic services.
It is estimated that 70% of the U.S. population could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists usually recommend a first "screening" examination at about age 7 when the front incisors erupt. Only a small percentage of patients this age may need' treatment and this type of orthodontics would be categorized as preventive or interceptive. Some of the obvious signs of necessity would be protruding front teeth, lower front teeth crowding and prolonged thumb sucking after age 7.
The goal of "early treatment" is to reduce the severity of significant malocclusions to the point where future orthodontics may be minimized. The majority of patients are treated in one single orthodontic phase which starts at about 10 and ends at about age 12. The "tween" years are popular for orthodontics because this is a time when much of facial growth occurs. Treatment during this period provides an opportunity to favorably influence the facial bones resulting in increased stability in most cases. Once growth is complete (which in females is about 1 year after the onset of menarche) many jaw discrepancies can only be corrected with surgical intervention.
Because of differences in timing of growth and tooth eruption we recommend you consult our office for the best time to address your child’s particular problem. Most single phase cases take approximately 20-26 months to complete. Adults are also great candidates for orthodontics as vast improvements can be achieved through relatively simple treatment plans. Adult orthodontics poses a different set of challenges which may involve other specialties of dentistry to maximize ones smile. These challenges haven't stopped adults from seeking care as this is one of the fastest growing segments of private practice.
With all the new "invisible" ways to correct malposed teeth you may be surprised to find out who really is an orthodontic patient.