Most people will probably think of treatments aimed at the early adolescent and teen years when it comes to orthodontics. Still, orthodontic treatments can be beneficial to both children and adults as well!
So, whether you’re a parent looking into early treatment for your child, a teenager wondering about braces, or an adult looking to correct your smile, we’ve put together a quick overview of orthodontic treatments for all ages to help you make an informed decision.
At What Age Should You Get Orthodontic Treatment?
While it’s often recommended to have orthodontic treatments done during your adolescence, modern advancements in recent years have made it so that age is generally no longer a factor when it comes to receiving orthodontic treatment. As long as you’re able to care for your teeth and stick to the treatment plan, you’ll be able to receive the benefits of a better smile and well-aligned teeth, no matter your age.
The most significant difference between treating adults and younger age groups is the development of the jaws and teeth. Because jawbones are still developing in younger patients, less invasive treatment is more likely to be successful.
Since these bones have stopped growing in adults, more intensive treatment may be necessary, including tooth extraction and surgery to align the jawbones. Be sure to consult with your local Geelong orthodontics specialists for more info.
Who Should Get Orthodontics Treatment?
Of course, not everyone needs to visit an orthodontist for treatment. Here are some notable indicators that you or your child may need to consult an orthodontist for treatment:
- Overly spaced teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Misaligned bite
- Sunken or protruding jaw
- Dental-related speech impediment
- Breathing problems
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
Orthodontics For Children
The sooner you start orthodontic treatment, the better the outcome. This is particularly true between the ages of 7 and 11 when early treatment is critical for the growth and development of jaws and teeth.
An early orthodontics evaluation will help assist your local orthodontist in the early detection and correction of any tooth and jaw problems that your child may have. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of these issues becoming more severe and requiring more intensive treatment options.
Orthodontics For Teens
Teenagers are the most common patient population for corrective orthodontics treatment, and for a good reason: this is when most of a person’s adult teeth appear. As a result, your adolescent years are the best time to straighten teeth or correct bite problems because the jaws and teeth are still being developed.
Teenagers are often self-conscious about their braces, but there’s no need to be. While the mechanics remain the same, modern orthodontic treatment provides teens with a wide range of treatment options, from sleeker metal braces to barely noticeable clear aligners.
Another common query for teens is the length of the orthodontic treatment. While this depends on any previous corrective measures taken and what needs to be corrected, the patients play a significant role in the length of treatment. With proper treatment compliance and good dental hygiene, you can be done with your orthodontics treatment as soon as possible.
Orthodontics For Adults
Adulthood is when we realise how important a good smile or well-aligned teeth are to our overall health and well-being, which is why many adults seek orthodontics treatment to help correct any dental issues they may have.
Adults, regardless of age, can benefit from more modern treatment options and receive precise teeth straightening and alignment results to improve their overall quality of life.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
There are plenty of orthodontic treatment options on the market nowadays, each with specific uses depending on your age and treatment requirements. Below is a brief overview of some of the treatment options available:
Braces
Braces consist of brackets attached to the teeth and wires threaded through slots in the brackets. The wires apply a gentle force to the teeth to move them into the desired position.
Braces can come in different varieties (traditional, self-ligating, lingual) and material types (stainless steel, ceramic). Hence, patients have plenty of options regarding the type of braces they would like to have.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Clear aligners are transparent, thin, plastic-like trays custom-made to fit a person’s teeth. Aligners are designed to be worn for 20-22 hours daily, and are only removed when you clean your teeth or eat. To gradually straighten your teeth, you will have to replace each set of Invisalign with new ones every seven to ten days.
Retainers
Retainers are made of a plastic-like material that is clear, thin, and slightly flexible and fits precisely into your teeth’s shape and placement. Retainers help to hold your teeth in their positions after your braces or aligners, which is why wearing them is essential to the overall success of your orthodontics treatment.
Discover The Benefits Of Orthodontics Treatment Today
With children, teens, and adults having different orthodontic needs, we hope this brief guide on orthodontics treatment for all ages has helped provide some insight into getting the proper orthodontic treatment for you and your loved ones. Contact your local family dental care in Geelong for more information.
