About Orthodontics

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that diagnoses, prevents and treats dental and facial irregularities caused by crooked, crowded or protruding teeth, or poorly aligned jaws.

Why is orthodontics treatment important?

The most important reason for orthodontic treatment is to help keep teeth healthy and functional for a lifetime. Once it was assumed that most people would eventually be fitted for dentures, but improvements in dentistry and public awareness of prevention have changed this trend. Orthodontics plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth for a lifetime.

The following are just a few reasons for orthodontic care.

• Crooked, crowded teeth are difficult to clean properly, leaving the patient at risk for increased cavity development.
• Poorly aligned teeth and jaws can result in a non-functional bite, risking breakdown of the teeth and even the bone that secure them.
• Potential irritation to the gum tissue that can result from poorly aligned teeth and jaws.

If you have any of these conditions we hope you will seriously consider orthodontic care. There is an additional benefit to which only you can assign a value – the improved self-confidence that results from having a beautiful smile.
 

At what age is orthodontic treatment effective?

With the increasing popularity of adult orthodontics, “anytime” is an appropriate answer for those in their teens or older. For youngsters, a major factor is the number of baby teeth remaining, and whether or not there are pre-treatment needs. The patient’s physical development will determine when treatment is most effective to begin. A majority of patients start treatment between the ages of 9 and 12 years. Since each patient has his or her own developmental characteristics, coming in for a simple examination will determine the appropriate time for treatment.