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Things that alert you to go to an Orthodontist

Parents are often worried about their children's teeth. It is a good idea to consult your orthodontist if you have any doubts about your child's bite.
1. In case of delay in emergence of the teeth. 2. Most children start getting their baby teeth by 5-7 months of age. In case of delay beyond 1 year of age in the emergence of the teeth it is advisable to seek opinion of your dentist.
3. If the milk teeth is shed off and the permanent teeth do not replace it.
4. Teeth that are erupting too close to one another or are crowded together.
5. Teeth that are too far apart or spaced teeth.
6. If the front teeth are too far forward and the lip does not cover the teeth.
7. If a space exists between the upper and the lower teeth when the teeth are brought together. This is called open bite and signifies improper bite that requires orthodontic care.

Orthodontists are the dentists who focus on the practice of orthodontics. An orthodontist is typically required to complete an additional two to three years of post-dental school education before becoming a certified practitioner of orthodontics.

No matter what your age, orthodontics can protect your bite (occlusion), maximize your teeth's effectiveness in performing their functions, and create a well-aligned smile. In orthodontics today, the teeth and underlying roots are repositioned, providing better support for the crown of the tooth. Orthodontic treatment can also rejuvenate your facial appearance by reshaping the jaw, neck, and lips, especially when combined with maxillo-facial surgical procedures.

If you are a candidate for orthodontics, you would likely be referred by your family dentist to an orthodontist for evaluation of your bite. During the first orthodontic visit, your orthodontist may use several methods to develop an individualized treatment plan, including:

Oral, facial and functional evaluation (examination).

Intraoral and facial photographs.

Panoramic and cephalometric x-rays.

Impressions for models of the teeth and bite.

Orthodontic treatment time can vary, based on age, the required changes to produce a satisfactory outcome, and how closely you follow your treatment plan. For example, younger patients may respond more quickly to treatment than adult patients because the bones supporting young teeth are more pliable than older bones. But adults tend to follow treatment instructions more consistently than pre-teens.

In some cases the treatment time is longer. For example, oral surgery and recovery may be needed before or during the braces treatment

At what age should orthodontic treatment begin?

Although orthodontic treatment can be done at any age they are best carried out in young children of 8-15 years age.

During this age it is possible for the orthodontist to foresee any dental problems that are likely to occur and can take preventive measures. This is called preventive orthodontics.

It is also possible to intercept disorders of the bite at an early stage so that it does not mature to a big dental problem. This is called interceptive orthodontics.

The jaws are actively growing by 8-10 years of age and therefore are the ideal time to mould the jaws.

The permanent teeth start erupting by 6-7 years of age and complete erupting by 12-14 years (all except the wisdom teeth). This would therefore be the ideal time to start treatment.

What happens if the treatment is delayed?
At an early age the braces are less painful and the treatment duration is shorter. Advancing age makes the jaws harder and therefore makes it difficult to mold the jaws and to move the teeth.
As mentioned in the earlier section, in younger individuals it is possible to prevent and intercept the developing problems. But orthodontic treatment can be carried out at any age.