Children
Children should be seen for orthodontic consultation when there are concerns about facial and teeth development, roughly at the age of 7 when the lower adult front teeth are coming out. This allows the orthodontist to evaluate your child’s existing and incoming teeth and determine whether early treatment might be necessary. Early orthodontic treatment begins while a child’s jaw bones are still soft, so any corrective procedures work faster than they do for adults. By getting an early assessment, possible future problems may be minimized or prevented by early correction, which is imperative to ensure successful long-term outcomes.
There are several ways you can determine whether your child needs early treatment. These include:
- Early (before age 5), late (after age five or six), or irregular loss of baby teeth.
- The child’s teeth do not meet correctly or at all.
- The child is a mouth breather.
- Snoring or sleep apnoea.
- Crowding, missing, or misplaced adult teeth.
- Front teeth are crowded (you won’t see this until the child is about seven or eight).
- Protruding teeth, typically in the front.
- Biting or chewing difficulties.
- Underbite or overbite.
- A speech impediment.
- The child’s jaw shifts when they open or close the mouth.
- Thumb sucking beyond the age of 5.
If any of the above characteristics or behaviour are observed, it is essential to visit an orthodontist. At Simply Braces, we offer ‘Free Initial Assessment’ for children under eight years old. Call us to make an appointment.
Braces or early orthodontic treatment may not begin straight after the initial evaluation; however, it helps determine whether your child has any problems with the jaw and teeth early and monitoring for the correct timing of treatment. Some early orthodontic treatments include functional appliances such as:
- Expander: widens the palate and dental arch to improve the bite.
- Face masks: pulls the top jaw and teeth forward.
- Headgear: commonly used for correcting back-to-front jaw discrepancies; slows/stops the upper jaw growth to prevent or correct an overjet but also can be used to make space for teeth to erupt.
Teenagers
The most common braces worn by teenagers:
- Conventional metal braces: These braces consist of metal brackets that are affixed to the front surface of the teeth. They are typically made of high-grade stainless steel. Conventional metal braces are known for their durability and effectiveness in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues. They are a popular choice for teenagers who want to express their individuality by selecting colorful elastics that hold the wires in place. These elastics can be changed at each orthodontic visit, allowing for customization and personalization. Additionally, conventional metal braces are often more cost-effective compared to other orthodontic options.
- Clear braces: Clear braces are designed to be less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They feature brackets made of ceramic or a clear material that blends in with the natural color of the teeth. This makes them a popular choice for teenagers who are concerned about the aesthetics of their orthodontic treatment. Clear braces offer a more discreet appearance, allowing the natural beauty of the smile to shine through during the treatment process. While they provide the same results as metal braces, it’s important to note that clear braces may require extra care to prevent staining or discoloration of the brackets.
Both braces work precisely the same way and produce the same results.
Adults
At our orthodontic practice, we understand that adults lead busy lives and prioritize comfort and aesthetics during their orthodontic treatment. That’s why we offer a range of treatment options that cater to their unique needs, ensuring a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing experience.
- Clear braces: Clear braces are an excellent choice for adults who desire a more discreet treatment option. These braces use transparent or tooth-colored brackets and wires that blend in with the natural color of the teeth, making them less noticeable. Clear braces provide effective teeth straightening while maintaining a more subtle appearance.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that utilizes a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move the teeth into their desired positions. The aligners are custom-made using advanced 3D imaging technology, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit. Invisalign offers the advantage of being virtually invisible, allowing adults to undergo orthodontic treatment without drawing attention to their braces.
- Incognito hidden braces: Incognito hidden braces offer a unique treatment option for adults who prefer a completely hidden orthodontic solution. These braces are placed on the back surfaces of the teeth, making them virtually invisible to others. Incognito braces are custom-made to fit each individual’s teeth, providing efficient and effective tooth movement while maintaining a discreet appearance.
By offering these treatment options, we aim to accommodate the busy lifestyles of adults while prioritizing their comfort and aesthetics. Our experienced orthodontic team will work closely with each patient to determine the most suitable treatment option based on their specific needs and goals. With our range of treatment choices, adults can achieve a beautiful, straight smile in a way that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences.