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How can I tell if my child needs orthodontic treatment?
It is usually pretty hard for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are lots of problems that can happen even though the front teeth look straight. Also, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. It always makes the most sense to go into an orthodontist and ask for a consultation.
Can you be too old for braces?
No, age is not a factor, only the health of your gums and bone which support your teeth. About 25 per cent of our orthodontic patients are adults and that number is still growing!
What are the early symptoms of orthodontic problems?
Although determining if treatment is necessary is difficult for you to assess, the following symptoms may help in prompting you to seek our orthodontic advice.
Ask your child to open their mouth, and let you look at their teeth. If you see any signs of crooked teeth, gaps between your child's teeth or overlapping teeth, your child may need orthodontic treatment.
Ask your child to bite all the way down, but keeping their lips open so you can see their teeth. Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom? Do the top teeth protrude out away from the bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50% of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth?
Look at the alignment of your child's jaw. Does the jaw shift off center when your child bites down?
What age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
Orthodontists recommend that your child be evaluated by age seven. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.
Will it hurt?
Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth sore for a few days, but it is not painful. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
