Visiting an Orthodontist

Orthodontics is a specialist area of dentistry focused on treating problems like crooked teeth and bad bite known as malocclusion.

Orthodontic work gives you a better smile and leads to many health benefits.

The treatment is provided through braces, corrective procedures and other 'appliances' to straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment.

While most dentists are trained to treat minor orthodontic problems, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist.

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Orthodontic treatment varies depending on the condition but most people wearing braces do so for between one and three years.

This is followed by a period of wearing a 'retainer' that holds teeth in their new positions.

Although a little discomfort is expected during treatment, modern materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth.

Today’s braces are therefore more comfortable and effective than ever before.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

Despite what many people think, orthodontic treatment is not only for children.

Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who bring the teeth, jaw bones and facial profile into proper alignment.

They can therefore give you a better smile and improve your dental health.

It’s never too late to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, bite problems, incorrect jaw position, or jaw-joint disorders.

The biological process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age.

However treatment for adults can take a little longer than for a child.

As an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone and sometimes surgery is required.

However, whatever your age, it's never too late to improve your dental health and make your smile more beautiful.

At What Age Should I Get Orthodontic Treatment?

Some people think orthodontic treatment is only for teenagers but truth is you can get it at any age.

Your jaw is growing the quickest when your are 8 or 9 so it is usually best to expand your jaw and reshape your mouth at that age.

Permanent teeth usually come in around 12 or 13 and that is normally the best time to start full orthodontic treatment.

However some children as young as 4 start orthodontics early to avoid a problem later on.

You can get braces at any age but as you get older the treatment takes longer and hurts more.

By time you are 20, you may need surgery to expand your jaw. However, adults as old as 90 can get orthodontic treatment to fix crooked teeth.

Orthodontic treatment works best and is the least painful around ages 8 to 14 so it's usually best to start orthodontic treatment that age.