These days it is extremely common to undergo orthodontic treatment. Most people will need it at some point in their lives, it may just be a matter of when. The average age for orthodontic treatment is between 10 and 14, but some children require earlier intervention and some adults seek treatment later in life. Orthodontics can be beneficial at any age.
Do you or your child need orthodontic treatment? Here’s how to determine if and when treatment should begin for the biggest benefit to your oral health.
Noticeable Orthodontic Issues
If you or your child have any of these noticeable orthodontic issues, you should seek professional treatment:
- Misaligned teeth: Teeth that are crooked or not in alignment with your other teeth.
- Gaps between teeth: Large spaces between your teeth.
- Crowded teeth: Teeth that are crowded together or overlapping.
- Overbite: When the upper teeth extend too far in front of the lower teeth.
- Underbite: When the upper teeth meet behind the lower teeth.
- Open bite: When the back teeth touch but there is a gap between the upper and lower front teeth.
- Crossbite: When some of the upper teeth meet behind the lower teeth and some in front.
Orthodontic Evaluations
Whether or not you see any noticeable orthodontic issues, every child should have a professional evaluation by the age of 7. This allows for the detection of any severe orthodontic issues that may be present early so that they can be treated proactively. If your child is already older than 7 or if you’re considering treatment yourself, it is never too late to schedule an orthodontic evaluation to determine if and what type of treatment would be beneficial.
Two-Phase Orthodontics
For children who have orthodontic issues that are present early (before adolescence), two-phase treatment is often recommended. The first phase may begin around the age of 7 or 8 with the primary goal of guiding growth to reduce the need for future treatment. Oral appliances such as palatal expanders and habit appliances are typical first phase treatments.
Adolescent Orthodontics
Most children will undergo orthodontic treatment during adolescence (between the ages of 10 and 14), whether or not they had early treatment. Common treatments options include braces, clear aligners, and retainers. This is the ideal age for orthodontics because children and teenagers are still growing, making it easier to shift the teeth and reshape the jaw.
Adult Orthodontics
Adults may choose to seek orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons. Some never had the opportunity to undergo treatment when they were younger. Others may have noticed that their teeth have shifted out of place since the treatment they had years ago. Whatever the reason, there are many benefits to adult orthodontics from improved oral health to a better looking smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
Are metal braces the only orthodontic treatment option?
Metal braces are just one type of orthodontic treatment. Other options include clear aligners, clear brackets, aesthetic braces, and more. After an evaluation your orthodontist can make a recommendation for the best treatment to help you achieve your desired results.
What does an orthodontic evaluation entail?
During an evaluation your orthodontist will do a visual examination and then take X-ray images as needed to assess the current position of the teeth and the shape of the jaw. This information is used to determine the best course of treatment to correct the specific orthodontic issues present.
Schedule An Evaluation Today
If you think you or your child may need orthodontic treatment, schedule an evaluation today with The Brace Place Orthodontics. Contact us at one of our 2 convenient locations in Jacksonville Beach or Ponte Vedra Beach, FL to learn more and make an appointment.