Many orthodontic problems become worse when left untreated. Treatment by a registered orthodontist is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years.
Orthodontic problems are usually apparent by the age of eight, when most of the adult front teeth have appeared. The Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends having children assessed at around the age 8 or 9. At that age, all of the adult teeth are forming and the adult face is developing. Developing problems can be diagnosed and treated, thereby minimising, and occasionally, eliminating the need for complex treatment at a later age.
Early examination allows an orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems and to plan an appropriate treatment plan.
Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing or make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Early treatment may also achieve results that are not possible once the face and jaws have stopped growing.
Don’t wait until all the baby teeth have been shed. In some cases, the baby teeth may be slow to fall out due to an underlying problem that can be diagnosed and intercepted by an Orthodontist, and in any case it is frequently easier to treat if the first brace is fitted before last baby tooth is lost.
The basic process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age and orthodontic treatment is also successful for adults. Adults are increasingly seeking orthodontic treatment. Adults are increasingly aware of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. The technology and design of modern braces now means that they are visually less intrusive than they were in the past.
Because an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, some severe malocclusions cannot be corrected with braces alone. In such cases, orthodontic treatment combined with jaw surgery can achieve dramatic improvements.
If you think you, or your child has an orthodontic problem, the best time to see an orthodontist is now!
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