Braces don’t just change looks-they can improve outlooks. The art and science of orthodontics has greatly enhanced the quality of life for many people of all ages. Patients say they no longer feel the urge to cover their mouths self-consciously whenever they laugh or smile. Treatment in children or teenagers who are still growing may yield results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have completed their growth. However, even though adults are no longer growing, they can also enjoy vast improvements that come from orthodontic treatment. Your age is not a consideration for orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age.
An Orthodontist is a highly trained specialist who has not only graduated as a dentist but has returned to University for post-graduate training on a full time basis. The orthodontic specialist has the training and expertise to close spaces between teeth, eliminate crowding, align teeth, improve bites and create beautiful smiles. They are trained in a wide range of orthodontic techniques and are therefore in the best position to provide optimal care to treat orthodontic problems.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
If you recognize any of these signs in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Mouth breathing
Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits
Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
Speech difficulty
Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
Protruding teeth
Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face)