For Children and Adults
Orthodontics for Children
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children see an orthodontist by age 7 to advise if and when treatment is required. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated.
When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide both the growth of the jaw and the incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. Early treatment almost always simplifies any later treatment and in some cases eliminates it entirely.
Orthodontics for Adults
Many adults are not aware that their teeth can be moved in the same way as children's teeth. The differences, however, are two-fold. First, adult mouths are often more complicated; old fillings, crowns, and mild to moderate gum disease can in some cases make orthodontic treatment more challenging.
Jaw surgery is sometimes required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and the bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also (seldom) limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.