Orthodontics for Children
When should my child see an orthodontist?
Your dentist can tell you when to seek evaluation from an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association recommend all kids be evaluated for orthodontics by age 7.
By this age, the orthodontist can detect subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth. Most kids begin active treatment between the ages of 9 and 14.
Orthodontists recommend you correct dental problems while your child is still growing. Once they stop growing, treatment may take longer and require more extensive work. The benefits of early orthodontic work include:
- straighten crooked teeth
- guide permanent teeth into better positions
- correct bite problems
- prevent the need for tooth extractions
What’s the youngest a child can get braces?
There is no set age when children require orthodontics. The treatment plan will depend on individual needs. For example, kids with cleft palates get orthodontic appliances before their first teeth erupt.
Other kids may benefit from starting treatment as early as age 6 or 7, even if they have not lost all of their baby teeth. The goal of early treatment is to prevent further problems from developing. It will create a better environment for the permanent teeth to erupt, or grow, into.
Most kids who require early orthodontics will still need braces or additional work later to complete the tooth and jaw alignment process.
How do I tell if my child needs orthodontic work?
If you’re like many parents, you probably won’t think about taking your child to see an orthodontist until there’s a need. Here are some signs your child may need to visit an orthodontist:
- they lose their baby teeth early or late
- breathing out of the mouth
- difficulty chewing or biting
- thumb or finger sucking habits
- crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- jaws that shift or make sounds
- biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- jaws at teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Orthodontics for Teenagers
Does your teen avoid smiling because they have crooked teeth? If so, you should give serious thought to their concern about their appearance. Crooked teeth can have profound effects on your teen’s self-esteem and social skills. That’s why you should you look to Dr. Matthew Biermann, a highly trained and board certified orthodontist. He offers the full spectrum of orthodontic solutions for teens to help them achieve a lifetime of healthy, beautiful and confident smiles.
Teenagers comprise the majority of patients in most orthodontic practices. We pride ourselves on our ability to get our adolescent patients excited and motivated about their orthodontic treatment. We have a young and energetic staff and doctor, and we find that we can take our job very seriously without always having to be so serious with our patients! We understand that the teenagers have concerns with how they look or feel about their treatment. We offer different aesthetic options for teenagers such as traditional silver braces that can be decorated with colored rubber bands, clear brackets, and in some instances Invisalign teen treatments.
Orthodontics for Adults
Although childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning of the teeth, more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment and coming away with excellent results. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that one in five orthodontic patients is over age 18.
Why do adults need braces?
Some adults never received orthodontic treatment as children to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites and underbites, incorrect jaw position or jaw joint disorders. If left untreated, these problems can result in tooth decay, gum disease, headaches and earaches, as well as speaking, biting or chewing problems.
Is orthodontic treatment different for adults?
Like children, adults can receive the same benefit of an improved smile and oral health from wearing braces. However, since adults are no longer growing, treatment may take longer than it does for teenagers. The average adult wears braces for 18 months to three years. After braces are removed, you may need to wear a retainer to maintain the results of your treatment.
How can I find out if I need braces?
An initial consultation will provide an opportunity to ask questions about orthodontic treatment such as:
- What are the costs involved?
- How will the braces correct my problem?
- How long will I need to wear braces?
Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll set you up with an evaluation.