TREATMENTS
EARLY TREATMENTS
Timing is everything – even regarding your child’s orthodontic treatment. “Early” or “interceptive” treatment is performed while some baby teeth are still present.
While there are many orthodontic problems that orthodontists agree are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in a patient’s best interests if their problem becomes more serious over time if left untreated. Early treatment aims to intercept the developing problem, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. A patient may require a second course of treatment after all permanent teeth have come in to move those teeth into their best positions.
Generally, your child will start losing their baby teeth from around the age of 5 until about age 12. All children are different, but if your child is seven years old and you are worried about any of the following signs, contact our office for an appointment.
- Early or late loss of the baby teeth
- Difficulty with chewing and biting.
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Protruding teeth.
- Shifting of the jaw when your child bites
- Crowded front teeth.
- · Speech problems
Before Early Treatment
After Early Treatment
ADOLESCENT TREATMENT
Teenagers are often seen with braces, as this is when most permanent teeth erupt and must be guided into position. This adolescent phase is also when facial growth accelerates, helping orthodontic appliances move teeth and jaws more efficiently.
BRACES
Nowadays, braces are slimline, less obvious, and more comfortable than ever before. You can choose between braces that blend in with your natural teeth, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can have some fun with colour.
PLATES
In some adolescents, the problem relates to the jaw and the teeth, so we may recommend an expansion plate, a functional appliance (such as a twin block) or a bite plate to correct the “bite” and braces to straighten the teeth.
TIME FRAME
The length of treatment depends on how much treatment is needed to correct the problem. Minor problems can sometimes be fixed in 12 months; however, the average duration is 18 – 24 months with braces. Compliance also plays a significant role in the length of treatment – taking care of your appliances, wearing them as instructed and attending all of your appointments will help to shorten your treatment time. Braces and plates are usually adjusted at 8–10-week intervals.
ADULT ORTHODONTICS
More and more adults today are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. In fact, about 20 per cent of our patients are adults!
Orthodontic treatment is designed to improve the appearance of your smile and the health of your teeth and gums. By seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult, you can avoid severe tooth decay, gum and bone loss, irregular wear of the tooth enamel, and jaw pain.
We offer a wide selection of treatment options to meet the individual needs and desires of each of our adult patients. From traditional metal or ceramic braces, or clear aligners, we are confident we can help you achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
Don’t ever feel it’s too late to enhance your smile (Our oldest patient to date was 72 years of age). Many of our adult patients are parents of children we have treated who decide it’s time to do something special for themselves.