The Ideal Age
The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) recommends the first visit to an orthodontist occur at age 7. Dr. Wyatt encourages this with a free initial exam to determine the child’s orthodontic needs. While the child may not be ready to start treatment, an early examination allows Dr. Wyatt to determine when a child’s problem should be treated for maximum improvement with the smallest possible investment of time and expense.
Most patients begin treatment between the ages of 11-13 when most of their permanent teeth have erupted. However, in some cases, interceptive (Phase I) treatment is necessary at an earlier age to control growth issues or prevent damage caused by habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
By addressing problems with early orthodontic intervention, some problems can be reduced in severity or even eliminated. Early orthodontic intervention can also favorably influence the patients jaw growth and facial profile.
Early intervention seldom eliminates the need for comprehensive orthodontic treatment, but it allows for observation of growth and retaining the corrections while new teeth come in. This could eliminate the need to remove permanent teeth and simplify or shorten Phase II treatment – saving time, trouble, and money when the child reaches adolescence.
The majority of pre-adolescent patients do not require early intervention. Dr. Wyatt will regularly monitor those patients throughout the eruption of their permanent teeth. During these recall visits, the doctor notes any changes he sees and advises when comprehensive treatment should begin. There is no charge for this service.
Between 20-25% of Dr. Wyatt’s patients are adults, ranging in age from their 20’s to their 60’s. The orthodontic process is the same for adults as for children. However, treatment is complicated by the fact that adult bone is more dense and it can be more difficult to move their teeth. Also, on occasion, the adult has lost some teeth prior to orthodontic treatment. This, too, can make a case more complex. But after a thorough evaluation and treatment plan, adults can achieve dramatic improvements in their smile and appearance.
Regardless of the patient’s age, orthodontics can have the same results…..improved bite, more beautiful smile and enhanced appearance!