07 May When Should You Ask About Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can help to correct jaw malalignments, crooked teeth, crowding and spacing and other functional or cosmetic issues. These treatments involve moving your teeth into a more ideal and healthier position. The process of orthodontic treatment usually involves orthodontic appliances such as braces, aligners, and retainers and may involve the help of other dental specialists to achieve an ideal result. At Taunton Orthodontics in Whitby, we provide a wide range of treatments to help you achieve your dream smile.

When Should You Ask About Orthodontic Treatment?

Most general dentists will screen their patients to see if they are a candidate for orthodontic treatment and will refer you to a qualified orthodontic practitioner when the time comes. If your dentist doesn’t provide a recommendation, it is a good idea to ask them about orthodontic treatment outright. Alternatively, you do not have to wait for your dentist and can inquire on your own about a complimentary consultation for orthodontic treatment. We do not require a dental referral to see a patient who is interested in achieving their dream smile or improving their bite.

Here are some guidelines for various timings that orthodontic intervention ,ay be recommended:

• Early intervention at age 7 & up – Some patients only visit the orthodontist if their dentist says to, but it a good idea to have your child assessed by an orthodontist by the age of seven. This allows an orthodontist to monitor your child’s tooth and jaw development carefully as the first permanent incisors and molars come in and the adult bite begins to establish itself. During this growth stage, they can intercept problems early to help minimize more complicated treatment down the road.

• The teenage years – Ideally most orthodontic treatments are administered just before or during the early teen years when a child’s permanent teeth are fully formed and erupted and the child is still growing. If your child did not have the chance to check in with an orthodontist beforehand, bring them in for a consultation so that an orthodontist can take advantage of this ideal age to modify growth and development.

• Early adulthood and beyond – We treat patients of all ages! . Whether because they never had the opportunity to have treatment as a child OR their retainer wear fell off and an adult has experienced some relapse or shifting of teeth, it is never too late. Call today to inquire about braces or Invisalign clear aligners if you’re an adult wanting to fix your smile or bite.

No matter your age or the age of your child, feel free to contact us at Taunton Orthodontics to schedule a complimentary consultation. We can provide a personalized treatment plan or monitoring schedule to ensure that amazing orthodontic treatment is provided at the ideal time!

– The Taunton Orthodontics Team