Orthodontic
treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate
the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in
orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required
for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing.
Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their
teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal
treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. It's
never too late to be evaluated for adult orthodontic treatment.
It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth.
Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.
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