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You may have had discussions with your dentist regarding the benefit of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other occlusion problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, and excessive stress on the gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth.
Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of a malocclusion. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. With a greater self confidence and a beautiful smile, many challenges in life are made easier. |
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Braces for all ages
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. Adults also can benefit from Invisalign treatment if they have concerns about wearing conventional braces. Our oldest adult patient was 73 years old. Adult treatment presents some additional challenges that are generally not present in adolescent treatment. Periodontal considerations, cessation of growth, missing teeth, and extensive restorations are often factors in treatment planning for adults. Although some compromises are often inherent in adult treatment, the benefits are still significant from the standpoint of both health and cosmetics. Ultimately, there is nothing like seeing the excitement of an adult getting their braces off after fulfilling a lifelong dream of straight teeth and a beautiful smile.
When is the best time to be evaluated for possible orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. My feeling is that an individual or a family should pursue an evaluation whenever they have a concern or their dentist has a concern. Although a patient may not be ready for orthodontic treatment, this initial assessment enables the family to gather data and then proceed in a manner that they feel is most appropriate.
What are the advantages of early interceptive treatment?
• Possibly eliminate the need for full treatment at a later date. However, the orthodontist must discriminate whether any early treatment has a benefit or whether treatment should be delayed and then make the full correction at a later date. The goal always remains the same – Have the optimum completed correction while factoring in what is the best time to begin treatment for each individual. |
