An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has gone through several years of post-graduate education, after obtaining their Dentistry degree, in order to obtain the necessary knowledge, training, and experience, to treat orthodontic problems to the highest standard of excellence. Orthodontists focus their practice solely on the treatment of orthodontic problems and thus have a wealth of experience in treating an extensive variety of cases. While general dentists are allowed to practice orthodontics and do treat cases, they are not orthodontic specialists.
How do I know if orthodontic treatment is required?
Straightening your teeth, in order to have a beautiful, healthy smile, can greatly increase one’s confidence, and happiness with their self-image. Furthermore, if one’s teeth or jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment can improve their alignment to promote better function and health. If left untreated, these problems, often referred to as malocclusions, can cause speech difficulty, premature tooth wear, gum diseases and even increase the chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joints.
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition. While treatment might not be necessary at this age, our team can monitor the growth and alignment of the teeth and address any orthodontic problems as they arise. This can help in the prevention of more complex and costly interventions when the child is much older.
Can orthodontic treatment begin while my child still has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention such as crowding and upper and lower jaw size discrepancy. If necessary, a First Phase of orthodontic treatment usually begins between the ages of 7 and 10, and lasts about 16-21 months. The primary objective of this treatment is to address significant orthodontic problems to prevent them from becoming worse and to improve self-image if affected by the orthodontic problem.
Will my child’s teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. Generally, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth will decrease with age.
Is Invisalign a good fit for children and teenagers?
Yes! The list of advantages is long: Patients will experience much less pain than with metal braces, as the movement of the teeth is much more consistent and gentle. There are no metal wires or brackets that can injure the mouth, or break and require emergency visits. This also means that patients can eat whatever they want! Not having the wires and brackets also makes brushing and flossing much easier, which is great for maintaining dental and gum hygiene.
Is Invisalign as effective as traditional metal braces?
When used the Invisalign trays are designed and created by a skilled and experienced orthodontist, tooth movement will be as efficient and accurate as with fixed appliances. As well, certain types of tooth movement can be even faster with Invisalign than with traditional braces! There are also certain types of cases that can be treated to superior outcomes with Invisalign than with braces. Due to less emergency visits from broken brackets and wires, treatment can also be quicker and more efficient with Invisalign!