What Is The Best Age To Do Orthodontic Treatment?

What Is The Best Age To Do Orthodontic Treatment?

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, many parents wonder at what age their child should seek orthodontic care. Orthodontists recommend early orthodontic treatments for certain conditions so that proper alignment can be established during a critical period of development. The decision as to when to pursue orthodontic treatment depends on individual needs and preferences. This blog will discuss the benefits of pursuing orthodontic treatments at different ages, along with frequently asked questions regarding orthodontic care.

Early Orthodontics (Ages 6-12)

Early orthodontic treatments are recommended for certain orthodontic conditions to take advantage of a critical period in development. These orthodontic treatments, also known as Phase I treatment, correct issues with jaw growth and tooth movement before all the adult teeth have come in. This can improve the way adult teeth grow in and reduce the amount of time needed for orthodontic treatment later on. The benefits of early orthodontics include:

Improved Appearance

Early orthodontic treatment can help give you or your child a more aesthetically pleasing smile. This is can be particularly important as orthodontic issues such as overcrowding and large gaps between teeth tend to become more noticeable during the teenage years.

Better Bite Alignment

Early orthodontic treatment can help ensure that your child’s bite is properly aligned from an early age, reducing the risk of serious orthodontic problems later on down the line. Early orthodontic treatments may also reduce the amount of time required for orthodontic treatment once all adult teeth have come in.

Improved Self-Esteem

By correcting orthodontic defects early on, young patients can gain a sense of confidence in their appearance and feel more comfortable in social situations.

Adolescent Orthodontics (Ages 12+)

Orthodontic treatment is generally recommended when all adult teeth have come in, around age 12. This is the ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment as it allows orthodontists to make corrections that will last for the long-term, and help ensure a healthy bite. The benefits of orthodontic treatment during this stage include:

Improved Appearance

Orthodontic treatments can help fix orthodontic defects such as overcrowded or gapped teeth, uneven bites, and overbites or underbites. By correcting these orthodontic issues, patients can gain a more aesthetically pleasing smile that boosts confidence and self-esteem.

Better Oral Health

orthodontics can correct issues such as overcrowding that are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. By aligning teeth properly, orthodontic treatments reduce this risk, helping promote better oral health.

Long-Term Results

Because orthodontic treatment is typically done after all adult teeth have come in, orthodontists can make sure corrections will be permanent. This means that orthodontic treatments done during this stage are often longer lasting than those done earlier in life.

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of getting orthodontic treatment early?

A: Early orthodontics can take advantage of a critical period in development by correcting orthodontic issues with jaw growth and tooth movement, as well as providing improved aesthetics and improved self-esteem.

Q: What are the benefits of orthodontics during adolescence?

A: Orthodontic treatments done after all adult teeth have come in can provide improved aesthetics, better oral health, and long-term results.

Q: What age should orthodontic treatment be done?

A: The ideal time for orthodontic treatment will depend on individual needs and preferences. Early orthodontic treatment may be recommended for certain orthodontic conditions to take advantage of a critical period in development, whereas orthodontics during adolescence is generally recommended when all adult teeth have come in.

Conclusion

When deciding at what age orthodontic treatment should be done, it is important to consider the benefits of early orthodontics and orthodontics during adolescence. While early orthodontic treatments can help align jaws and reduce the amount of time needed for orthodontic treatment later on, orthodontic treatments done after all adult teeth have come in may result in more permanent results. Ultimately, the decision as to when orthodontic treatment is best will depend on individual needs and preferences.