WHY BRACES?

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 predispose you to tooth decay and gum disease. 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. 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 along with the self confidence it generates.

BRACES FOR ADULTS

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. Adults may benefit not only for cosmetic reasons but to facilitate better hygiene, gum health as well as reduce strain on teeth and jaw joints. Clear braces have made wearing of appliances far more acceptable from a cosmetic viewpoint for adults. As well, the invisalign system of clear tooth aligners may be a treatment option.

CHILDREN

Question: When is the best time to begin orthodontic treatment for my child? This is a commonly asked question by parents who may see other young children (7-10 years old) wearing orthodontic appliances.

Answer: Given both my specialty training and experience in both early treatment as well as treatment, when most if not all the permanent teeth have erupted my conclusion is that, for the vast majority of young patients, it is best to start treatment just prior to eruption of all their permanent teeth. If dental development is proceeding at an average pace, this is 10½ to 12 years old (grades 5, 6) in girls and 11½ to 13 years old (grade 6, 7) in most boys.

This is also a time in which adolescents are either approaching or entering their active growth spurts which is also extremely helpful for effective and efficient orthodontic treatment.

Reasons:

1. Decreased time in braces and fewer appointments which results in:
   • Less chance of enamel decalcification and root shortening
   • Less time absent from school or work
   • Less opportunity for broken braces.
2. Bone growth is occurring more rapidly during the adolescent years, increasing treatment effectiveness.
3. Understanding and co-operation are better when a child is mature.
4. Completing treatment in one phase is less costly than a prolonged two phase program.

Exceptions:

1. Crossbites causing the lower jaw to shift
2. Severe protruding upper teeth or recessive lower jaws that prevent proper lip posture and function
3. Space maintenance for early loss of baby teeth
4. Excessive crowding causing damage to teeth, bones and/or gums
5. Airway problems
6. If a young patient is suffering psychologically or socially from crooked upper front teeth, a brief period of partial braces can improve both the smile and self-image dramatically. Braces will typically still be needed when the remainder of the permanent teeth erupt.

Initial Examination and Observation:

Most children should have an initial orthodontic examination by age 9 even though treatment may not start (as indicated above) for a couple of years. Our observation program is set up to allow us to evaluate the patient's dental and overall development on a regular basis in order to begin orthodontic therapy at the appropriate time.