WHEN SHOULD ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT BE STARTED
If you have been thinking of orthodontic treatment for yourself or someone you care about, you may be wondering: When is the right time to see an Orthodontist? It’s an excellent question. Though an Orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense.
Even though for most cases it is “the sooner – the better”, that is not a general rule for all patients. The best age to start wearing braces will vary from patient to patient, but is very important that an initial orthodontic evaluation is done early enough, immediately after a possible problem is noticed. The American Association of Orthodontist (AAO) recommends that all children have a check up with an Orthodontist no later than 7th year of age, for early detection of any potential problems. The child’s teeth may appear straight to the eyes of the parents, but there could a problem that only an Orthodontist can detect, like whether or not there will be adequate room in the mouth to accommodate the permanent teeth. By the age 7, some of the permanent teeth have erupted, so that most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth. At this stage of mixed dentition, an Orthodontist can spot potential orthodontic problem related to jaw growth and eruption of adult teeth. Some growth related orthodontic problems are easier to correct when they are identified early, while the facial bones are still growing.
When a problem is detected, the Orthodontist may not always recommend immediate treatment. In most of the cases, parents are advised to bring the child every 6 months for periodic monitoring of jaw growth and dental development. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. In case of existing or potential malocclusion problem, an early orthodontic screening allows the Orthodontist to offer advice and guidance for the best age to start treatment and what kind of treatment will be appropriate.
In the past, orthodontic treatment was common only during adolescent or teenage years, when all permanent teeth had erupted. Until some years ago, it was unusual to start orthodontic treatment at age of 7 or after 20’s. But today the situation is different, because of changing trends and greater awarenes, you can meet patients of wide range of ages in an Orthodontist’s waiting room.
EARLY CHILDHOOD: Early Orthodontic treatment (also known as PHASE 1 or INTERCEPTIVE TREATMENT) helps to:
-guide jaw growth into favorable direction and size
-take advantage of jaw bones growth process to guide teeth to their correct position
-prevent more serious problems from developing (early or late loss of baby teeth)
-lower the risk of injury to protruded front teeth (Bugs Bunny teeth)
-reduce treatment time and complexity at later age
-minimize the need of jaw surgery
-minimize the need of permanent teeth extractions
– correct harmful oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing)
ADOLOSCENT OR TEENAGE YEARS: If there are no problems that require an early intervention, treatment is most effective at this age when all permanent teeth have erupted and most of the jaw development has completed.
ADULTHOOD – ADULT ORTHODONTICS: You know when your child should come in for an orthodontic consultation. Now, how about you? Do you cover your mouth with your hand when you smile? Are you self-conscious around strangers because your smile isn’t as perfect as you want it to be? If so, then the best time to see an Orthodontist might be – RIGHT NOW !
People think that Orthodontics is just for kids. If so, then it’s time to think again. In fact, according to AAO, around 1 in 5 orthodontic patients today are adults.
Adult Orthodontics offers the opportunity of a better smile to all those who couldn’t get treatment in their teenage years. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and in older patients, compliance isn’t usually an issue. Plus with the advanced technology and growing availability of clear aligners, transluscent ceramic braces, lingual braces (braces on the inner side of the teeth), it’s getting harder to tell whether or not you are wearing braces. So if adults worry that metal braces might clash with their professional image, be sure to ask your Orthodontist about less visible alternatives.
Also, if you clench or grind your teeth, your jaws seem to frequently shift in position or make sounds (Clicking) as they move or you find you are unintentionally biting your cheek, you have certain speech defects (lisping), you need to see an Orthodontist as well.
Ofcourse, it isn’t just about looks. Well-aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain and less subject to abnormal wear. A better bite keeps you from having trouble eating and speaking and helps your teeth stay healthy – and healthy teeth can last a lifetime. So, why delay getting Orthodontic treatment? Ultimately, Orthodontists do much more than creating a beautiful smile – they create a healthier confident you !!!
DR SUMIT GUPTA
SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIST
Al Hafiz International Hospital
JLT, Abu Dhabi.
