Types of Treatment

There is no age limit to receiving orthodontic treatment. We have successfully treated patients ranging from 5 to 75 years of age.

However, there are certain aspects of treatment that are different in children and adults.

Treatment for Children

Young Children

Early (interceptive) treatment may be needed in young children to correct a specific problem that is interfering with the normal growth and development of the teeth and jaws. Prudent intervention guides growth and development preventing or lessening serious problems later.

Some problems, such as a crossbite, can be treated early with an orthodontic appliance and require no additional treatment later. Other problems, such as severely protruding teeth or severe crowding may benefit from an early stage of treatment but will require full braces later when most or all of the adult teeth have erupted.

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic examination occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later then age 7. At this early age it may not be necessary to start treatment but an examination can determine if treatment is needed later.

Adolescents

It is more common for children to be treated orthodontically in one stage during the pre- teen or early teen years. Full braces are used, sometimes in conjunction with space gaining appliances or functional appliances, to move teeth into the proper position and to correct problems with the bite. This is often the best time to begin comprehensive treatment as the jaws are growing rapidly and most or all of the adult teeth are present for straightening.

There are many factors entering into the decision of when to start treatment. An early orthodontic examination gives the orthodontist the opportunity to make the most appropriate decision.