Orthodontics for Children
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting an orthodontist around age seven.
By this age, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
It can be challenging for parents to know if their child needs orthodontic treatment.
Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Phase One Treatment with Invisalign® First
Invisalign First clear aligner treatment is a type of Phase One treatment in growing children. It aligns the teeth while expanding the arches and allowing existing and incoming permanent teeth.
Phase One treatment with Invisalign First may be used to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions during Phase Two treatment
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
- Help with hygiene and oral-stimulation sensitive patients
Orthodontics for Teens
Braces Your Way!
Our practice offers a variety of braces, types, and styles to choose from. Some common options include:
- Invisalign®
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces
Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation, today's braces make it easy to look and feel good! Please contact our practice to schedule your next orthodontic checkup.
Invisalign® Treatment for Teens
Each teen case is unique, so Align Technology constantly advances its Invisalign digital treatment solutions. This allows our office to deliver a unique, customized teeth-straightening solution that’s more precise and keeps your teen moving forward.
With the Invisalign system’s proprietary innovations, such as SmartTrack® material, your teen’s smile can transform up to 50% faster.* And as your teen becomes the person you’ve always seen, they will continue to enjoy the things that make your teen unique.
The Treatment
Your teen’s smile journey begins with a 3D scan. We will work closely with Invisalign treatment specialists to develop a complete digital treatment plan to plot your teen’s best smile with care from start to finish.
Invisalign treatment gives you and your teen a better teeth-straightening experience than traditional braces.
- Corrects both simple and complex teeth-straightening cases
- Covered by orthodontic insurance
- Proprietary innovations provide up to 50% shorter treatment times*
- No pain from rubbing brackets or broken wires and fewer unexpected orthodontist visits
- Continue to enjoy all of the foods and activities they love
- Removable trays for easy brushing and flossing
- Two times more likely to have a boost in self-esteem**
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. The American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over 21. Many adults choose to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health and want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can, too.
Common reasons why adults consider orthodontic treatment:
- A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
- Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly causing tooth decay or gum disease
- Abnormal jaw pain or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
- Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
Treatment options for adults
For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. However, today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:
- Invisalign®
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces
The main difference to remember when treating adults or children and teens is that the jawbones are still developing in younger patients. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery to align the jawbones. Other differences include:
- Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
- Worn or missing teeth — Over time, teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions, which can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.
- Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen—Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as children or teens but never completed it. As adults, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.
Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs and require different levels of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments and that your needs are met with our understanding and respect.
Why should you consider orthodontic or Invisalign® treatment?
- Straight teeth are healthy teeth — Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to keep clean with flossing and brushing and may help prevent other health problems.
- A beautiful, straight smile builds confidence — Orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without holding back!
- Mouths left untreated can get worse — Not receiving orthodontic treatment when needed can create long-term health issues, costing you more.
Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment and learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics. We understand your busy schedule and will work with you to make each office visit as convenient as possible.
