Orthodontic Treatment: When Do You Need It?

Posted on Nov 27, 2014

Orthodontic Treatment: When Do You Need It?

The best age to see an orthodontist for the first time is at 7 years old. It’s widely considered by orthodontists as the best age to first examine a patient as the molars (back teeth) are usually in and these help establish the child’s bite. From this early exam, a Richmond orthodontist at HGS Ortho is often able to get a good understanding of any potential bite problems.

For parents, it can be beneficial to know ahead of time the likely type of orthodontic treatments that may be required for their child in the future. For instance, if the orthodontist predicts that braces are likely to be needed in the teen years, then parents have more time to prepare for them in terms of financial planning or dental insurance considerations. Adults often need orthodontic treatments if once-straight teeth become crooked due to causes such as aging, injury or gum disease. They may also seek out an Port Coquitlam orthodontist for jaw problems or facial reconstruction.

Facial reconstruction orthodontics are often sought by people who have been in a disfiguring accident, while Port Coquitlam and Richmond patients with jaw bone loss or disorders such as TMJ conditions may require orthognathic (jaw) surgery or other treatments. If bite problems or jaw pain is ongoing, an appointment can be booked with our orthodontists. Malocclusions (bite problems) are a main specialty of orthodontists. An examination at age 7 and follow-up will reduce or eliminate potential bite issues such as overbites or under bites, and is ideal as the child ages.

Older children, teens, and adults often receive treatment from orthodontists for braces to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. While in some cases, orthodontists treat children aged 7-9 with orthodontic devices for bite problems, kids, and teens between the ages of 10-14 are more likely candidates for braces. Adults, as well as teens, are now common seekers of teeth straightening orthodontics thanks to the advances in braces such as the popular, nearly invisible, clear plastic aligners called Invisalign. To learn more about Invisalign or other orthodontic options, contact our team. Call 604-464-2527 to book an appointment.