Orthodontics for Adults
The general belief that it’s too late for adults to receive an orthodontic treatment come from understanding that theirs bones and jaws are no longer growing. This makes it difficult and sometimes not even possible to achieve certain results fast, such as severe bite corrections or palate expansion, through the orthodontic appliances alone.
However, just like children, adults can correct the problems, such as:
- crooked or crowded teeth;
- overbites and underbites;
- incorrect jaw position or jaw joint disorders.
Without orthodontic treatment, these conditions may result in problems like:
- caries or tooth decay;
- gum diseases;
- headaches and earaches;
- speaking, biting, chewing, or digesting problems.
Although if performed during childhood or teenage years the treatment would be shorter and less painful, it is still possible to accomplish successful results in adulthood. On average adults have to wear braces for 2-3 years, which is reasonable compared to the benefits of getting a beautiful smile and boosting self-esteem. If more extensive facial changes are needed, orthodontic treatment can be combined with surgery.
Orthodontics for Kids
If the treatment starts at the right age, the future problems with teeth alignment may be reduced and sometimes avoided at all. Since the jaws and bones are actively growing at early age, better results from an orthodontic treatment usually can be achieved in a shorter period and at the least expense than in adulthood.
Some of the reasons to start treatment in early childhood are:
- Psychological problems – kids with misaligned jaws and protruding teeth are often an object for teasing. To lessen the damage on the self-esteem the orthodontic treatment recommended to start at the early age.
- Severe malocclusion – kids with severe malocclusion, such as severe crossbites and overcrowding, should consult orthodontist while they still have primary teeth and just a few of permanent teeth erupted. That way kids can be referred for an optimal treatment.
- Missing teeth and prematurely lost – an orthodontist help may be needed to maintain the spacing and alignment.
- Bad habits (pacifier or thumb sucking, nail biting, etc.) – if still continued after permanent teeth eruption, such habits may cause problems with teeth alignment, and should be broken a.s.a.p.
Once the orthodontist finds the problem with teeth alignment in your child, it does not imply that treatment has to begin right then. Some of the problems is better to observe, and start an orthodontic treatment later when the “right” time comes, which is usually close to losing the last primary teeth. For some malocclusions, treatment is done in two phases: 1 – when the primary teeth are still present; 2 – when all of the permanent teeth erupt. For others, just a primary tooth extraction or a limited treatment with braces may be sufficient to align the teeth.
Orthodontics for teens
Since the girls usually manure faster than boys do, treatment for girls is better to start earlier, when they are about 11-13 year old. Once they are 15, they become more conscious about their appearance and usually beg the orthodontist to get the braces off. Therefore, it is recommended to plan an orthodontic treatment in such a way, that by the age of 15 it will be completed.
Boys usually start an orthodontic treatment around 11-14 years old, and tend to complain less.