What a difference a straight tooth can make! A great-looking smile can boost self-confidence and positively impact social and professional opportunities.
Early orthodontic treatment is the original smile makeover tool — and you will be happy to know that you’re never too old to take advantage of it.
But it isn’t all about looks: Properly aligned teeth help you bite, chew, and speak more effectively. They are also easier to clean, which helps keep your mouth free of tooth decay and gum disease.
The amazing thing about orthodontics is that it harnesses the body’s natural ability to remodel tissue.
With light and constant force, orthodontic appliances gently reshape bone and move teeth into better positions. Some examples of these appliances are traditional metal braces, inconspicuous clear or tooth-colored braces, and clear aligners, a relatively new option for adults and teens.
Bite Problems and How to Fix Them
Early orthodontic treatment can resolve several bite problems, which often become evident by around age 7.
These include underbite, crossbite, or excessive overbite, where upper and lower teeth don’t close in the proper position; open bite, where a space remains between top and bottom teeth when the jaws are closed; and crowding or excessive spacing, where teeth are spaced too close together or too far apart.
To correct bite problems, teeth need to be moved — but doing that isn’t as complicated as you might think!
Teeth aren’t fixed rigidly in their supporting bone; instead, they’re held in place by a hammock-like structure called the periodontal ligament, which responds to forces placed on the teeth. Orthodontic appliances move teeth by careful application of light, constant pressure.
This force can be applied via metal wires that run through small brackets attached to the teeth (braces), or via the semi-rigid plastic of clear aligners.
Early orthodontic treatment is for Children — and Adults
Early orthodontic treatment in childhood is ideal for taking advantage of a youngster’s natural growth processes to help move the teeth into proper alignment.
Like the rest of the body, the teeth and jaws change rapidly. So, at this time it’s possible (for example) to create more room for teeth in a crowded mouth by using a “palatal expander” to rapidly widen the upper jaw.
This phase of growth modification can shorten overall treatment time and ensure the best result if additional orthodontic appliances are needed.
But remember, healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so you’ve never “missed the boat” for orthodontic treatment.
In fact, about one in five of today’s orthodontic patients is an adult. Several new technological developments — including tooth-colored ceramic braces, clear aligners, and invisible lingual braces — have made orthodontic appliances less evident and enhanced the treatment experience for grown-ups.
Before treatment, adults are carefully examined for signs of periodontal (gum) disease, which will be brought under control before treatment begins.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
When you imagine someone wearing braces, you probably picture small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth, with a thin wire running through them.
This time-tested style remains very popular, but it’s no longer the only option. Clear braces use brackets made of ceramic or plastic that are hardly visible except for the slim archwire.
Lingual braces are just like traditional metal braces — except they’re bonded to the back of your teeth (the tongue side) so no one can see them.
Removable clear aligners are an alternative to fixed orthodontic appliances. They consist of a series of clear plastic “trays” that fit over your teeth exactly; each one moves your teeth slightly until they are in the proper position.
Whether fixed or removable, each type of appliance may have advantages or disadvantages in particular situations. After a complete examination, your best treatment options will be discussed.
Interceptive orthodontic treatment addresses orthodontic issues early in a child’s development, typically between the ages of 6 and 10.
By identifying and correcting problems such as crowding, misalignment, or bite issues at this stage, interceptive orthodontics aims to prevent more severe issues from developing later on.
This proactive approach can reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment in the future, saving time and money while promoting optimal oral health.
With orthodontic treatment, children can enjoy improved dental function, enhanced aesthetics, and increased self-confidence, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
Retention & Post Orthodontic Care
Once your Early orthodontic treatment is completed, it’s crucial to wear a retainer as directed.
That’s because teeth naturally tend to drift back to their original locations — which is the last thing you want after you’ve gone to the trouble of straightening them! Wearing a retainer holds your teeth in their new position long enough for new bone and ligament to re-form around them and helps keep your gorgeous new smile looking good for a lifetime.
