Introduction to braces and orthodontic treatment

The American and Canadian Associations of Orthodontists recommend that children have an orthodontic screening appointment by seven years of age. By age seven, a number of dental and esthetic problems can be easily identified. Although it is unlikely that a child will receive braces at age seven, early detection of malocclusion provides the greatest number of treatment options.

Most orthodontic patients are teenagers with all, or almost all, of their adult teeth. Adolescence is considered the ideal time to perform the majority of orthodontic treatment because a teenager’s rapid growth can provide the most efficient result.

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More and more adults are undergoing orthodontics to improve the look of their smile or to improve their bite. Although orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, adult treatment does not have the added benefit of growth. Orthodontic treatment performed as an adult also requires that additional attention be paid to the health of the patient’s bone and gum tissues supporting the teeth. Often it is necessary to have a comprehensive evaluation of the gums by a periodontist before starting orthodontic treatment.

Your orthodontist may recommend surgery to reposition one or both jaw bones in addition to orthodontic treatment. Surgically repositioning jaw bones is recommended in situations where the esthetic outcome and/or health of the supporting structures will be compromised if the problems are treated with just braces alone.

Braces are a commitment but they rarely interrupt a persons’ life to a significant degree. Most esthetic concerns can be addressed through the use of clear braces, lingual braces and Invisalign®.