Unlocking Smiles: The Power of Interceptive Orthodontics in Early Dental Care

Welcome to our dental blog, where we delve into the world of interceptive orthodontics – a powerful tool in early dental care that helps unlock smiles for a lifetime. As parents, caregivers, or individuals seeking optimal oral health, understanding the significance of interceptive orthodontics is crucial in ensuring the well-being of your child's dental development.

The Importance of Early Intervention:

Interceptive orthodontics focuses on identifying and addressing orthodontic issues in their early stages, often during childhood. This proactive approach allows dental professionals to intervene before problems become more severe, potentially reducing the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later in life. Early detection and intervention can contribute significantly to a child's overall dental health.

Common Issues Addressed by Interceptive Orthodontics:

Malocclusions:

• Interceptive orthodontics is particularly effective in correcting malocclusions, which refer to misalignments of the teeth or jaws. Common examples include overbites, underbites, and crossbites. By identifying these issues early, orthodontic treatments can be initiated to guide proper alignment and prevent further complications.

Crowding and Spacing:

• Crowded or spaced teeth can impact a child's oral health and self-esteem. Interceptive orthodontics can address these issues by creating the necessary space or guiding teeth into their proper positions, promoting a balanced and harmonious smile.

Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Habits:

• Persistent thumb-sucking or pacifier habits can affect the alignment of teeth and jaw development. Interceptive orthodontics can provide solutions to break these habits early on, preventing long-term orthodontic issues.

Dental Crossbites:

• Crossbites occur when upper and lower teeth do not align correctly. Interceptive orthodontics can correct dental crossbites by guiding the jaw and teeth into proper alignment, ensuring a more functional and aesthetically pleasing smile.
  
  

Benefits of Interceptive Orthodontics:

Prevention of Future Issues:

• By addressing orthodontic concerns early, interceptive orthodontics aims to prevent the development of more serious dental issues that may require extensive treatment in the future.

Improved Facial Aesthetics:

• Early intervention allows for proper development of the jaw and facial structures, contributing to improved facial aesthetics and boosting the child's self-confidence.

Facilitation of Permanent Teeth Eruption:

• Interceptive orthodontics helps create a favorable environment for the eruption of permanent teeth, ensuring they come in straight and properly aligned.
  
  

Investing in your child's oral health through interceptive orthodontics is a proactive and rewarding approach. By unlocking smiles early on, we pave the way for a lifetime of confidence, functionality, and overall well-being. If you have questions about interceptive orthodontics or wish to explore options for your child, consult with our experienced dental professionals who are dedicated to providing the best care for your family's dental health. Remember, a healthy smile begins with early intervention!

The Cost of Orthodontic Treatment: What to Expect

Orthodontic treatment can be a significant investment, both in terms of time and money. The cost of treatment can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of orthodontic appliance being used, the severity of the dental issues being addressed, and the length of treatment.

It's important to keep in mind that while the cost of treatment may seem high, investing in orthodontic treatment can actually save you money in the long run. By addressing dental issues like misalignment or spacing, you can prevent more serious oral health problems down the line, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Straight teeth are also easier to clean, which can reduce the need for costly dental procedures in the future.

Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment, so be sure to check with your provider to see what your plan covers.

The cost of orthodontic treatment is an investment in your oral health and overall well-being. If you're considering orthodontic treatment, it's worth discussing the costs and payment options with your orthodontist to determine the best course of action for your needs and budget.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults: Is It Worth It?

Orthodontic treatment isn't just for kids and teenagers - in fact, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance and function of their teeth. If you're an adult considering orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if it's worth the investment of time and money. Here are a few things to consider:

• Improved aesthetics: One of the primary benefits of orthodontic treatment is improved aesthetics. Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth can be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness, but braces or clear aligners can help straighten teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. This can lead to greater confidence and self-esteem.
  
  
• Better oral health: Orthodontic treatment can also improve your oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. By investing in orthodontic treatment, you may be able to prevent more serious dental problems down the line.
  
  
• Improved function: Misaligned teeth can also impact the function of your bite, leading to discomfort or even pain. By straightening your teeth, you may be able to improve your bite and reduce discomfort or pain when eating or speaking.
  
  
• More options than ever before: Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology, adults now have more options than ever before when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners like Invisalign or clear ceramic braces can be a more discreet option than traditional metal braces, making them a popular choice among adults.

The decision to invest in orthodontic treatment as an adult is a personal one. While it does require an investment of time and money, the benefits can be significant. If you're considering orthodontic treatment, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to discuss your options and determine if it's the right choice for you.

Lingual Braces: The Invisible Way to Straighten Your Teeth

Are you looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth without the use of traditional braces? Look no further than lingual braces! Lingual braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that is placed on the inside of your teeth, making them virtually invisible to the outside world.

• What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces, also known as hidden braces, are metal or ceramic braces that are placed on the back of your teeth instead of the front. The brackets and wires of lingual braces are customized to fit the shape of your teeth, making them a highly individualized orthodontic solution.

Lingual braces work in the same way as traditional braces, gradually applying pressure to your teeth to move them into the desired position. The difference is that with lingual braces, the brackets and wires are hidden from view, giving you a more aesthetically pleasing treatment option.

• Who is a good candidate for lingual braces?

Lingual braces are a great option for anyone who wants to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of traditional braces. They are especially popular among adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces in professional or social situations.

However, not everyone is a good candidate for lingual braces. They may not be suitable for individuals with severe bite issues or complex orthodontic needs. Additionally, because lingual braces are placed on the back of your teeth, they may take some time to get used to and may cause initial discomfort.

• What are the advantages of lingual braces?

The primary advantage of lingual braces is their aesthetic appeal. Because they are placed on the back of your teeth, they are virtually invisible to others. This can be especially appealing for adults who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.

Another advantage of lingual braces is that they are highly customizable. Because they are customized to fit the shape of your teeth, they provide a highly individualized treatment option that can achieve precise results.

Finally, lingual braces are a highly effective orthodontic treatment that can address a wide range of dental issues, from minor crowding to more complex bite issues.

Interceptive Orthodontics: What is it and How Can it Benefit Your Child's Dental Health?

Interceptive orthodontics is a type of early orthodontic treatment that aims to prevent dental problems from developing or worsening in children. This treatment involves identifying and correcting dental issues before they become more severe, and can potentially save your child from needing more extensive orthodontic treatment later on in life. In this blog, we will discuss what interceptive orthodontics is, how it works, and how it can benefit your child's dental health.

What is Interceptive Orthodontics?

Interceptive orthodontics, also known as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is a type of orthodontic treatment that is performed on children who still have primary teeth or mixed dentition (a mix of baby and permanent teeth). This type of treatment focuses on correcting bite and alignment issues early on, before they become more severe and harder to correct.

Interceptive orthodontics can address a variety of dental issues, such as overcrowding, crossbite, underbite, overbite, and spacing issues. By correcting these issues early on, it can help prevent more serious dental problems from developing later on, such as impacted teeth, jaw misalignment, and other issues that may require more extensive orthodontic treatment.

How Does Interceptive Orthodontics Work?

Interceptive orthodontics typically involves the use of orthodontic appliances, such as braces, expanders, and space maintainers. These appliances are designed to gently shift and guide teeth into their proper positions and correct any bite or alignment issues.

During an initial consultation, your child's orthodontist will evaluate their teeth and determine if they are a good candidate for interceptive orthodontics. If so, they will create a customized treatment plan that outlines the specific orthodontic appliances and techniques that will be used to correct their dental issues.

Treatment time for interceptive orthodontics varies depending on the severity of your child's dental issues and the type of orthodontic appliances used. Most children will wear braces or other appliances for anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Benefits of Interceptive Orthodontics

There are many benefits to interceptive orthodontics, including:

• Correcting dental issues early on can prevent more serious dental problems from developing later on in life.
  
  
• Interceptive orthodontics can improve your child's self-esteem and confidence by giving them a straighter, more beautiful smile.
  
  
• By correcting bite and alignment issues, interceptive orthodontics can help improve your child's speech and chewing abilities.
  
  
• Correcting dental issues early on can potentially save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later on.

In conclusion, interceptive orthodontics is a type of early orthodontic treatment that can help correct dental issues before they become more severe. This type of treatment can potentially save your child from needing more extensive orthodontic treatment later on in life, and improve their self-esteem, speech, and chewing abilities. If you think your child may benefit from interceptive orthodontics, talk to your orthodontist to see if they are a good candidate for this type of treatment.

Dental Surgery Overview

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a type of dental surgery that is used to correct a range of jaw and facial abnormalities. This type of surgery is often used to address issues related to malocclusion (misaligned bite), jaw alignment, and facial asymmetry. In this blog post, we'll explore what orthognathic surgery is, why it's done, and what to expect if you're considering this type of procedure.

What is orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is a type of corrective jaw surgery that involves the repositioning of one or both jaws. This type of surgery is typically used to correct skeletal abnormalities that affect the jaw and face, such as a misaligned bite, facial asymmetry, or problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Why is orthognathic surgery done?

Orthognathic surgery is typically done to correct a range of jaw and facial abnormalities that can cause problems with biting, chewing, speaking, and breathing. Some of the most common reasons for this type of surgery include:

• Malocclusion (misaligned bite): When the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, it can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and overall dental health. Orthognathic surgery can be used to reposition the jaw and correct the bite.
  
  
• Facial asymmetry: If the jaws are not aligned properly, it can cause one side of the face to look different from the other. Orthognathic surgery can be used to correct this asymmetry and improve facial aesthetics.
  
  
• Sleep apnea: If sleep apnea is caused by a structural problem with the jaw or airway, orthognathic surgery may be recommended to help improve breathing during sleep.
  
  
• TMJ disorders: Problems with the temporomandibular joint can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, as well as headaches and other symptoms. Orthognathic surgery can be used to correct structural problems with the joint and improve overall jaw function.

What to expect during orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is typically performed in a hospital or surgical center under general anesthesia. The specific details of the procedure will depend on the individual case, but generally, the surgeon will make incisions inside the mouth to access the jaw bones. The bones will then be repositioned and stabilized using screws, plates, or wires. The incisions will be closed using dissolvable sutures.

After surgery, patients will typically need to stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and pain management. They may also need to follow a liquid or soft food diet for several weeks, and may need to wear braces or other orthodontic appliances to help stabilize the teeth and jaw in their new position.

Recovery from orthognathic surgery can take several months, and patients will need to attend regular follow-up appointments with their surgeon and orthodontist to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.

Conclusion

Orthognathic surgery is a powerful tool for correcting a range of jaw and facial abnormalities that can affect dental health, facial aesthetics, and overall quality of life. If you're considering this type of surgery, it's important to work closely with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist to ensure that you receive the best possible care and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Why Your Child Needs a Pediatric Orthodontist

• Early Detection of Issues

Pediatric orthodontists are trained to detect potential problems early on, before they become more serious. By evaluating your child's bite and teeth alignment at an early age, they can identify potential issues and provide a customized treatment plan to help prevent more serious problems from developing later on.

• Corrects Habits

Certain habits, such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, can cause dental problems and impact your child's bite. A pediatric orthodontist can help correct these habits, which can lead to better dental health and a more attractive smile.

• Facilitates Proper Jaw Growth

During the early years of your child's life, their jaw is still growing and developing. A pediatric orthodontist can help guide this growth and development to ensure that your child's teeth and jaw are properly aligned.

• Improves Self-Esteem

When children have straight teeth and a healthy bite, they feel good about themselves and their appearance. This can have a positive impact on their self-esteem and confidence, and make them more likely to take care of their dental health in the future.

Invisalign: The Clear Alternative to Traditional Braces

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that offers a clear alternative to traditional braces. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth, making it an almost invisible solution for improving your smile. The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth, and they gently shift your teeth into the desired position over time. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Invisalign and what sets it apart from traditional braces.

• Comfort and Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that it’s much more comfortable than traditional braces. The aligners are made from a smooth, medical-grade plastic that doesn’t irritate the inside of your mouth or cause any discomfort. Additionally, the aligners are removable, so you can take them out whenever you need to eat, brush, or floss. This makes it much easier to maintain good oral hygiene while you’re undergoing treatment.

• Invisibility

Another big advantage of Invisalign is that it’s virtually invisible. The aligners are made from a clear material that blends in with your teeth, making it almost impossible for others to notice that you’re undergoing treatment. This is a huge selling point for many people, as they don’t want the world to know that they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth without anyone else ever knowing.

• Customized Treatment

Invisalign uses advanced 3D imaging technology to create a customized treatment plan for each patient. This ensures that each patient’s treatment is tailored specifically to their individual needs, providing the best possible results. The aligners are also custom-made for each patient, which ensures a perfect fit and maximum comfort.

• Efficiency

Invisalign has been shown to be highly effective at straightening teeth in a relatively short amount of time. On average, treatment time with Invisalign is about 12-18 months, which is much faster than traditional braces. This is because the aligners are designed to apply gentle, constant pressure to your teeth, which helps to shift them into the desired position more quickly.

• Cost-Effective

While Invisalign is generally more expensive than traditional braces, it’s still a cost-effective solution for many people. The benefits of Invisalign, such as its comfort, convenience, and efficiency, make it well worth the investment for many patients. Additionally, many dental insurance plans cover the cost of Invisalign, making it even more affordable.

Overcoming Problems with Braces

Most people get used to braces quickly and wear them for as long as they need to with no problems.

However, occasional problems can arise and taking the right steps enables you to resolve them quickly.

Here are some examples of problems that may arise.

• Allergic Reaction: Some people can have an allergic reaction to the elastic or the metal used in braces. Alternative materials can normally be used so it is important to let your orthodontist know of any allergies.
  
  
• Mouth Sores: There may be irritation due to some parts of the braces. This is more commons in the early stages but there are many products available such as oral rinses and dental wax that help heal sores quickly.
  
  
• Build Up of Plaque: It is important to keep up your regular oral care routine of brushing and flossing to prevent food building up around braces as this can lead to build up of plaque which can cause tooth decay and bad breath.
  
  
• Damaged Braces: Braces can be damaged if not cared for properly. Certain hard or sticky foods can cause damage as can mouth injuries when playing sports. If damage occurs frequently, it can mean the treatment takes longer.
  
  
• Arch Wire Movement: If the arch wire becomes displaced, it can cause irritation and mouth ulcers. Dental wax helps but it is usually best to have the damage fixed by an orthodontist.
  
  
• Discomfort: Pain and discomfort may occur after first installation and also after any adjustments but these usually pass quickly.

Pediatric Orthodontics: Helping Children Achieve a Healthy Smile

As a parent, you want your child to have a healthy and beautiful smile. Orthodontic treatment can help achieve this goal by correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Pediatric orthodontics, specifically, focuses on providing orthodontic care to children and adolescents.

There are several benefits to starting orthodontic treatment at a young age. Early intervention can help correct developing problems before they become more severe and difficult to treat. It can also improve your child's bite, making it easier for them to chew and speak. Additionally, orthodontic treatment can boost your child's self-esteem and self-confidence by giving them a beautiful smile.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. At this age, many orthodontic problems can be identified, but the teeth and jaws are still developing and are more receptive to change.

There are several types of orthodontic treatments available for children, including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. Your orthodontist will help determine the best treatment plan for your child based on their specific needs and goals.

It is important to choose an orthodontist who specializes in pediatric care. Pediatric orthodontists have completed additional training and have a deep understanding of the unique needs of growing children. They are also experienced in working with young patients and can help make the orthodontic experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

In conclusion, pediatric orthodontics can help your child achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Starting orthodontic treatment at a young age can improve your child's bite, boost their self-esteem, and correct developing problems before they become more severe. If you think your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment, be sure to schedule an appointment with a pediatric orthodontist today.

Myths about orthodontists

 Here is the truth on some common myths about orthodontists

Myth – Any dentist can straighten my teeth.
Truth – An orthodontist is a specialist at straightening teeth with two or three years of additional training after dental school.
They usually see hundreds of orthodontic patients a year where some family dentists may see only a handful.

Myth – Only children wear braces
Truth – Around 20% of orthodontic patients are adults

Myth – You only need to see an orthodontist for very complex cases.
Truth – Orthodontists have wide experience and deal with all types of orthodontic issue. However, their wide experience means they know exactly what to do in the most complex cases.

Myth – Seeing an orthodontist is more expensive than going to a general dentists for orthodontic treatment.
Truth – They are usually doing different work. An orthodontist offers value as an expert, highly experienced professional with specific training in this field.

Myth – Braces are painful and take years to work
Fact – Like a new pair of shoes, braces are perfectly comfortable after an initial ‘breaking in’ or adjustment period. Braces can get results after just a few months.

Myth – Braces are ugly and embarrassing in business settings.
Truth – Today braces can be made from clear plastic and can be nearly invisible. They can also be mounted on the back side of the teeth so that they are not visible.

Mothers Like Braces Better

 The vast majority of modern mothers believe braces today are much cooler than when they were young.

In a study for the American Association of Orthodontists, 86 percent of mothers said braces are cooler today than when they were kids and 69% said wearing braces makes their children feel cool.

The vast majority – 81 percent – said their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment was either positive or extremely positive.

One of the factors making braces better today is the range of different color options available so that children can choose the look they want.

This makes the kids feel better about their orthodontic treatment.

Even though the mothers feel braces are cooler today, most – 78 percent – of those who had braces theselves as a child feel it was a great investment by their parents.

Most feel comfortable about visits to the orthodontist and 81 percent rated their child’s experience of visiting the orthodontist as positive or extremely positive.

Entertaining video games and music help children enjoy their visits to the orthodontist while computer software that predicts how they will look after treatment keeps them motivated.

Five ways an orthodontist could help you and your children

 Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who can give you a better smile.

They do this by bringing the teeth, jaw bones and facial profile into proper alignment.

Here are five ways they could help you or your family:

• Straightening your teeth to cut the risk of decay and gum disease
• Enhancing your appearance to boost your self-esteem
• Correcting protruding or misaligned teeth to get rid of speech problems
• Treating jaw joint difficulties known as TMJ
• Correcting jaw problems

An orthodontist will give you a full oral examination looking not just at the teeth but also at surrounding structures, jaw joints, facial aesthetics, muscular functions and speech patterns.

There are several options after this examination.

Sometimes – for example in younger children – it is too soon to do anything so they might advise coming back in a few months.

As the majority of a child’s facial growth happens before age 10, early treatment can deliver results without needing to have teeth extracted and may mean less time with braces.

When most of the adult teeth have erupted, it is possible to re-align the teeth into the desired position.

Although you get the best results by going to see an orthodontist as early as possible they can help people of any age.

Why Straighten Your Teeth?

 If you don’t have straight teeth, you might wonder if you need to do anything about it.

Straight teeth have psychological and physiological benefits.

Straight teeth can help you bite, chew and speak better. They also contribute to healthy teeth and gums.

Properly aligned teeth and jaws may also alleviate or prevent physical health problems.

Having straight teeth enhances your smile and makes you look better.

An attractive smile enhances your self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image.

Orthodontic treatment can improve your appearance by bringing teeth, lips and face into proportion.

It can therefore be a step towards greater social and career success and can help you enjoy life more.

Straight teeth therefore work better and make you look better.

People with beautiful smiles therefore have a lot to be happy about.

Common Questions About Orthodontics

How does orthodontics work?
The job of an orthodontist is to help fix crooked teeth and jaw problems so that your teeth are in the right place in your

mouth.

This may require the orthodontist to take action that helps stretch your jaw or move your teeth so that everything fits

properly.

One action they can take is using tools such as braces to push on your teeth so they move into the right place.

If your top jaw is too small, they may install an expander to make it grow wider. Your jaw can be stretched or widened or

moved to change its shape.

There are various other steps they can take to move your teeth or expand your jaw so that your teeth all fit comfortably

and correctly in your mouth.

At what age should I start orthodontic treatment?
You can get orthodontic treatment at any age from toddlers to old age. The best and least painful time for orthodontic

treatment is usually when you are between about 8 to 14.

Between 8 and 9 is usually when the jaw is growing fastest and so is the best time to reshape your mouth.

Permanent teeth usually come in between age 12 or 14 and that is the best time to start full orthodontic treatment.

What happens if I wait until I am older for orthodontic treatment?
You can get braces at any age but as you get older the treatment takes longer and may hurt a bit more. Nevertheless the

benefits are still significant.

Your Questions Answered About Braces

Here are the answers to five common questions about the implications of having braces.

Does having braces affect the way I talk?
Standard braces don’t normally affect how you talk or the sound of your voice. Sometimes, you may find it difficult for the first couple of days but then you will be able to talk fine.

Are there any activities that I should avoid when I have braces?
You can continue to do most things such as enjoying sports and playing musical instruments. For some sports, you should wear an orthodontic mouth guard. It is also best to avoid activities where you could suffer a lot of blows to your mouth such as boxing or karate.

Does having braces affect what I eat?
You can continue to eat most foods when you wear braces. In the first few days, you would probably be advised to stick to softer foods.

After that, you may need to be careful with hard or sticky foods like caramel and some nuts. You want to make sure the food does not stick on your braces or pull them off your teeth.

In addition, chewing gum is usually not recommended. Some sugar free gums have been reported as causing less problems but talk to your orthodontist if you want to be able to chew gum.

Can the braces come off?
This can happen and it is usually not a major problem. Your orthodontist will attach them again. If it happens a lot, some larger adjustments may be needed.

What happens if a piece comes off and I swallow it?
This is quite rare but it is usually not a major problem. Any parts that you swallow should just pass through your digestive system.

Why Modern Teenagers Need Braces

Many teenagers wonder why they need to wear braces.

Is it all about cosmetics or is there something more important?

Back in the days of the cave men, teenagers were only two or three feet tall.

But over the last 10,000 years, people have got bigger. While our mouths have got a little bigger, our teeth got a lot bigger.

As a result, teeth no longer fit correctly into most people’s mouths.

While improving your smile is a great reason for getting braces, there are more important problems that can arise if you don’t deal with crooked teeth.

Digestion Problems: If your teeth are not straight, you will not be able to chew your food correctly and this can lead to stomach problems

Dental Problems: If you don’t deal with crooked teeth early on, your teeth will be hard to clean, and you will face gum problems and greater wear on your teeth.

Breathing problem: As you get older the roof of your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose making you snore loudly. The risk of this can be reduced by having braces.

Truth is about 70% of teenagers need braces and therefore having braces will not make you feel different to most of your friends.

Why Adult Orthodontist Treatment is Different

One reason orthodontic treatment for adults is different is that, when you are older, it is harder to enlarge your mouth to get all of your teeth to fit.

When you are growing, your jaw is more flexible and the orthodontist can stretch your mouth so everything fits.

However, after you finish growing, your jaw hardens and it becomes difficult for an orthodontist to stretch it.

While you can have your jaw enlarged surgically, most adults opt to have their teeth straightened without this step.

This may mean you need to have some teeth removed to make everything fit. This may not have been necessary if the treatment had been done when you were still growing.

However, there are many benefits in having orthodontic treatment at any age.

In adult life, it can help your digestion and your general health as well as preventing dental problems.

The main difference is that orthodontic treatment when you are older can be a bit slower and even slightly more painful than for younger patients.

Why Orthodontic Treatment Does Not Work for All Adults

While a surprising number of adults benefit from orthodontic treatment, not all adults can take advantage.

It can depend on how well you have looked after your teeth and gums.

For example, gums may have receded so much that orthodontic treatment is not an option or roots may be very shallow if they have not been cared for properly.

Although the state of your mouth may mean that orthodontic treatment is not possible, the benefits of it can apply at any age and it is always worth checking the situation out with an orthodontist.

All orthodontists are trained how to treat adult patients but some specialize in this area.

An experienced orthodontist will know that adult treatment can take longer and may need to be more gentle than treatment earlier in life when someone is still growing.

Orthodontic services can be provided by any licensed dentist trained in orthodontics though most treatment is done by orthodontists.

A dentist must complete 2-3 years of additional training to earn a special qualification in orthodontics.

Advantages of Adult Orthodontics

While many people think orthodontic treatment such as braces is mainly for children, it can help your health at any age.

Crooked teeth are harder to clean and the wear will be uneven. This can lead to inflamed gums and toothache which may even lead to you losing teeth.

Orthodontic treatment can therefore help prevent gum problems and tooth loss.

Another health benefit of having your teeth working effectively is that chewing is an important part of digestion. When you are not able to chew food properly, the rest of the digestive system has to work harder.

An important benefit of orthodontic treatment is therefore that in can help solve and prevent digestion problems.

Orthodontic treatment in adults is similar to teenage treatment although it normally takes a bit longer.

The healing process takes a bit longer as you get older so the orthodontist will need to move your teeth more slowly for example.