FAQs

Q. Why is orthodontics important? Q. When should my child first see an orthodontist? Q. Can it be too late for a person to be fitted with braces? Q. Who says braces are just for kids? Q. Who needs orthodontics? Q. What’s the right age for Orthodontic Treatment?

Q. Why is orthodontics important?

Orthodontics can boost a person’s self-image as the teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned, but an attractive smile is just one of the benefits.

Alleviating or preventing physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment, orthodontic problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction and chewing and digestive difficulties. A “bad bite” can contribute to speech impairments, tooth loss, chipped teeth and other dental injuries.

Q. When should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child should get an orthodontic screening no later than age seven.

Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected early rather than waiting until jaw growth has slowed.

Early treatment may mean a patient will avoid surgery or other serious corrections later in life.

Q. Can it be too late for a person to be fitted with braces?

No, its never too late because healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontics can improve the smile of practically anyone – in fact, orthodontics regularly treat patients in their 40′s, 50′s and older!

Q. Who says braces are just for kids?

Certainly not the estimated 1 million adults in the United States who have chosen orthodontic treatment as the route to better oral health and emotional well being.

Adults are discovering that today’s high-tech materials are light years away from the “metal mouth” look they may have been familiar with as teenagers.

Some recent innovations include iBraces (braces behind your teeth), Invisalign (clear aligners) and clear or tooth colored brackets with sophisticated engineering, which has resulted in less time spent in braces.

Q. Who needs orthodontics?

No one can deny the importance of a winning smile. It makes a pleasing appearance, promotes self-esteem and is valuable to social and career success.

Creating beautiful smiles is what orthodontics is all about. And today, orthodontics is so convenient and affordable that individuals from childhood through retirement can reap its important benefits.

Orthodontics is important not only for a great smile and improved self-confidence, but for better dental health. Braces fit easily into today’s active lifestyles. They’re comfortable, easy to keep clean and less visible than in the past. New techniques and materials can extend the period between appointments, saving time and expense.

Q. What’s the right age for Orthodontic Treatment?

Almost any age! Early examination allows us to determine when your child’s bite should be treated for maximum improvement – in the least time and at the lowest cost. Certain treatment techniques provide significant benefits for patients between 6 to 11 years old. Treatment during these growth stages can achieve results not possible once face and jawbones have finished growing.

Full orthodontic treatment with braces is generally begun after all the permanent teeth are in place, usually at ages 12 or 13.