For Children and Adults
Why Braces? | For Children and Adults | Early Treatment | Ortho Dictionary
Orthodontics for Children
It is best to schedule an appointment for your child with Dr. Willett by the age of 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and when the best time is to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, Dr. Willett can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. Approximately 20-30% of our patients are adults. Occasionally orthodontic treatment for an adult is not as simple as for a child. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.