What is Orthodontics? Orthodontics is a specialized part of dentistry involving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The orthodontist is a dental
specialist who has learned to properly use orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics to move poorly aligned teeth and develop their jaws into their correct position. This involves the design and application of corrective appliances, such as "braces" to treat and correct these problems.
What are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment? Orthodontics can give you an attractive smile, improve your dental health, and facial aesthetics. An improvement in appearance can result in improved self-confidence and research has shown that attractive dental and facial appearance are important factors in predicting future success.
Straight teeth and beautiful smile
Improvement in facial appearance
Psychological and social benefit
Improved bite for chewing
Prevention of tooth loss due to improper bite
Healthy gums and surrounding bone
Healthy temporomandibular joint
At What Age Should I Begin Treatment? In the majority of cases, the best time to begin orthodontic treatment is when the patient is actively growing, usually in the early adolescent years from age 7 to 10. This corresponds to when the jaws are developing most rapidly. Such treatment may reduce the severity of the problem and minimize or even eliminate the need for comprehensive treatment at a later date. Remember, each patient's needs are unique. Therefore, the length and type of treatment can only be determined after a complete evaluation.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends all children have
an orthodontic screening by the age of seven
