The four stages of orthodontic treatment
You can begin orthodontic treatment at any age. Your age will determine the complexity of the treatment needed, the length of time, and the price.
The four stages of orthodontic treatments:
Early Examination
The earlier you get onto potential problems, the less orthodontic treatment and problems will be required later on in life. An examination at 7-8 years will uncover future teeth or jaw alignment issues.
Thumb and finger sucking can push teeth forward, altering the shape of your child’s developing jaw. Mouth breathing and snoring are signs your child would benefit from an early orthodontic assessment.
Early treatment (7-11 years old)
Early treatment will prevent potentially serious problems from occurring and achieve results not possible when the face and jaws have stopped growing, as well as avoid future jaw surgery.
Teen Treatment (12-19 years old)
Between 12-19 years of age, all permanent teeth have emerged. Traditional orthodontic treatment will achieve dental alignment and facial balance. Treatment at this stage will help decrease the risk of any jaw issues such as TMJ and wear on the teeth. Invisalign is a great option for teens who are worried about their appearance.
Adult Treatment (20 years old+)
With advancements in technology, a range of treatments available are now available for those 20 years and over who require orthodontic treatment. Clear or tooth coloured braces, Invisalign and braces that can be attached to the inside of the teeth are all viable options. For severe jaw and facial imbalances, your orthodontist may liaise with an oral surgeon to achieve cosmetic and functional improvements.
Most improvements are able to be achieved through non-surgical orthodontic treatment; however severe facial imbalances may also require some form of jaw surgery.
Different types of Oral Conditions that can be treated with Orthodontics
‘Malocclusions’ is a fancy word for bad bite. Aside from detracting from the appearance of your smile, this can prevent you from eating, chewing and talking properly. It may cause your jaw to click, or for teeth to wear down faster than they should
The most prevalent malocclusions are:
Overbite
Upper teeth protrude over lower teeth. This is an orthodontic issue that is typically heredity, but it is often made worse by thumb sucking.
Underbite
The lower teeth protrude over the upper teeth. Underbites are usually heredity.
Deep Bite
Lower teeth may touch the roof of the mouth and cause gum trauma. They can also cause gummy smiles and jaw pain.
Open Bite
The teeth don’t meet in the middle when the jaw is closed. It can be caused by tongue thrusting, thumb sucking or chewing on foreign objects. An open bite can result in a lisp and trouble biting.
Cross Bite
The upper teeth bite the inside of the lower teeth. It can occur one side or both sides of the mouth. Sometimes the lower jaw is slightly moved to the site causing excess tooth wear. We encourage early treatment.
Overcrowding
Usually happens when there isn’t enough space in your gums for your teeth. Teeth crowding is often linked to a higher risk of decay, due to difficulty cleaning gaps between the teeth.
Spacing
Narrow, missing teeth or impacted teeth can make your gums look gappy.
More about Orthodontics
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