Right Age
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7.
Early orthodontic screening can lead to simpler, more effective treatment. An indication that an orthodontic evaluation is recommended would be:
- Crowding
- Early loss of teeth
- Difficulty eating
- Protrusion
- Finger habit
- Grinding/Clenching
- Overbite/Underbite
- Speech difficulty
- Missing teeth
Frequently, malocclusion (incorrect bites) is present behind seemingly acceptable smiles.
Adult orthodontics? You bet. 40% of our practice is made up of adults.
Regardless of age, orthodontic treatment is always a change for the better. Because the basic process involved in moving teeth is the same in adults as in children, orthodontic treatment can usually be successful at any age. The health of the teeth, the gums, and the supporting bones will also determine the prospects for improvements.