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Patient and Parent Questions How do I know if my child is in need of orthodontic treatment? It may be difficult for a parent to determine if their child is in need of orthodontic treatment because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth appear straight. Also, sometimes there are problems that look intimidating and complex which may improve on their own. Asking your general dentist is good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. Our initial exam is free of charge and we would be more than happy to evaluate your child and make any recommendations. At what age should my child see an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. By this age, the six-year or first molars and most of the front incisor teeth should have erupted and we are able to determine early bite or crowding problems that should be addressed. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later. Will orthodontic treatment/braces hurt? Generally, you may experience some initial discomfort or soreness for a few days from the pressure that your braces are applying to move your teeth. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Orthodontic treatment has improved over the years with smaller, more comfortable braces and innovative space-age materials that reduce the discomfort. Can you be too old for braces? No, age is not a factor for orthodontic treatment. The health of your gums and bone which support your teeth is the most important factor. Therefore, it is important that you continue to visit your general dentist on a regular basis throughout your orthodontic treatment to ensure the best results. About 20% of our orthodontic patients are adults and that number is still growing! Can I still have braces if I have missing teeth? Yes. When teeth are missing, adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space. This will cause a functional, esthetic or periodontal problem. Orthodontic treatment will correct and prevent these problems from happening and will also provide proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth. Is orthodontic care expensive? When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time, treatment is often less costly than the dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop years later. |
