Timing of Orthodontic Treatment | Age 6 months - 3 year | Age 5-8 | Age 9-14
Age 15-18 | Adult Treatment
Early Treatment
Timing of Orthodontic Treatment
Timing of orthodontic treatment is one of the most important keys to quality and stability of our final results. The orthodontist encounters many different occlusion (bite) and facial growth problems. Treatment must therefore be individualized and evaluated according to each person’s needs.
Treatment can occur in one phase or stage when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. However, there are often instances where the problems are of a severe nature, so that taking advantage of jaw growth potential is beneficial. In these cases, treatment would be performed in two distinct phases. The first phase would occur prior to the eruption of the permanent teeth between the ages of 7-11 while the child is still growing rapidly. The second phase of treatment occurs after the permanent teeth have erupted to help finalize the occlusion.
Age 6 months - 3 years: The 20 primary teeth grow in.
The American Dental Association recommends that your child begin seeing the dentist at age 2. Although your child will have only primary teeth, it is a good age to learn to be comfortable with dental visits, and to begin understanding the importance of good oral health. At the ages of 5 or 6, the orthodontist may be recommended to evaluate early loss of teeth, missing teeth, sucking habits, or a crossbite. (A crossbite is when the upper teeth do not overlap the outside edge of the lower teeth, but are caught inside the lower teeth). At this age the orthodontist will not suggest any complicated treatment or appliances, since the child is so young.
Age 5-8: The first 8 primary teeth are lost. (Phase I)
The permanent incisor teeth grow in during this period; four on top and four below. The six-year molars grow in the back of the mouth, behind all of the primary teeth, and should not push out any primaries. The orthodontist often recommends a first stage of treatment during this age, especially to correct crowding, spacing, crossbites, overbites and jaw growth discrepancies. Removable appliances and partial braces are the common appliances. Treatment time usually lasts 15-18 months. At the end of active treatment, retainers may be worn to stabilize the treatment results. A complete set of braces usually has to await the eruption of the remaining permanent teeth. During this time the orthodontist can monitor jaw growth and eruption of teeth and intervene to prevent developing problems.
Age 9-14: The remaining 12 primary teeth are lost. (Phase II)
While the goal in Phase I is to intervene and prevent problems from developing by working with jaw growth modification, the goal in Phase II is to finalize the occlusion. During this time, all the rest of the permanent teeth will grow except the wisdom teeth. This is the age range that orthodontic care with braces will begin, and will usually last two to three years. Patients are seen every few weeks for treatment appointments. After the braces are removed, retaining devices are placed to stabilize the results.
Age 15-18: The wisdom teeth develop.
The orthodontist will monitor jaw growth development and maintain any retaining devices in place. The wisdom teeth may need to be removed in the late teen years if they do not have room to grow in normally (impacted). The orthodontist will then refer the patient to an oral surgeon for removal of the wisdom teeth. If impacted wisdom teeth are not removed, they might damage the adjacent 12-year molars or induce problems with infection, gum disease or decay.
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Adult Treatment
Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. A new smile can begin today.
Many adults have a malocclusion which was not corrected as a child. These problems can still be corrected. Jaw size or shape problems are handled differently since the adult face is no longer growing. Gum disease and missing teeth are complicating factors, but do not prevent correction. Disturbances of the jaw joint are more common in adults, so careful evaluation is important and consultation with other specialists is common.
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint pain.
Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces or transparent aligners that can improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.
During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. During this initial examination, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected and the approximate cost.
A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset - their smile.
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