Orthodontic treatments, especially braces, are often associated with the teen years. But braces, retainers, aligner trays, and other orthodontic devices can benefit different people at different ages, and there's no "one size fits all" answer to those who are looking to improve their dental appearance. Learn more about how orthodontic treatment can help dental patients of all ages have straighter, healthier smiles.
Orthodontics for Kids
First Visit By Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that every child see an orthodontist by his or her 7th birthday. Your child will still have most of his or her baby teeth at their first visit but will have enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate. Although, most children do not need any treatment at this age, as an orthodontist, Dr. Rosenberg is an expert in the growth and development of your child’s jaws and teeth. This early first visit will allow him to evaluate this development, and catch any emerging issues. Some developmental issues if caught early are more easily corrected at an earlier age, and can avoid potentially harmful consequences of leaving these issues unaddressed.
In most cases, Dr. Rosenberg will recommend periodic check-ups to monitor dental development until he determines that your child is ready for treatment.
Issues to Watch for in Growing Children
Some orthodontic problems parents can look out for include:
Underbite or Crossbite in Front
The lower front teeth jut out in front of the upper front teeth. This can cause harmful gum and bone issues for developing teeth.
Posterior Crossbite
Upper teeth in the back are inside the lower teeth. This is a sign that the upper jaw may not be developing as it should.
Overbite
The upper front teeth jut out excessively causing them to be at risk for trauma.
Open Bite
Front teeth do not touch, this is often a result of a habit such as thumb or finger sucking.
Deep Bite
Upper front teeth cover too much of lower front teeth causing wear of teeth over time.
Spacing
Teeth that are very crowded or widely spaced.
Late Permanent Teeth
Permanent teeth that haven't yet erupted a few months after the baby tooth fell out.
And if your child sucks on his or her thumb, a pacifier, or another object, it's a good idea to see an orthodontist periodically to make sure that this habit isn't affecting jaw development.
Orthodontics for Teens
By the time a child becomes a teenager, all their permanent teeth (except for maybe a couple of molars) should have erupted, making the ages 11-13 the most common time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Having issues corrected while your jaws are still growing can mean a shorter and less complex treatment than you might face if you wait a few years. Growth can often be guided to more easily correct your child’s orthodontic problems. Parents of teens should continue to watch for signs of orthodontic issues, like overlapping teeth, crowded or widely spaced teeth, or "bite" problems.
Orthodontics for Adults
Adults can need orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons. Some may have never had orthodontic treatment during their childhood or teens or found that earlier treatment "reverted" as they grew older. Others have suffered accidents or injuries that have affected their teeth or jaws, or have noticed a shift in their other teeth as their wisdom teeth emerged.
Adults have a wide range of orthodontic treatment options, including clear or metal braces, Invisalign, lingual (behind-the-teeth) braces, retainers, and more.