Orthodontics for Children and Adults

Nowadays more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment for cosmetic as well as functional reasons. Age is no longer a barrier to treatment provided that the tissues are healthy (bone and gums) and patients are able to maintain a high level of oral hygiene. The type of brace needed and the length of treatment time depends on numerous factors and this can only be assessed after a thorough clinical examination in conjunction with x-rays and study casts of the teeth.
  • Why not wait until all the permanent teeth have erupted?
    The problem may be one of opportunity missed with respect to growth and development. While patients can be treated at any age, those with available growth may enjoy a substantial advantage. For some patients, early treatment may prevent the need for jaw surgery, extraction of permanent teeth, or fracture of protruded incisors. Early treatment may also aid in psychological development that is appearance-related. Most harmful oral habits respond best to early treatment. A patient referred in the mixed dentition may also benefit from space management and guidance of eruption.
  • Why does my child need this treatment?
    Genetic or environmental factors may have influenced the development of your child's jaws and muscles. For example your child may suck either fingers or thumb or have a sleeping pattern that has affected the development of the cheeks and jaws.
  • Isn't it too early to start treatment?
    In keeping with the American Assocation of Orthodontists we encourage children to attend for their first orthodontic checkup at 7 years of age. Whilst most orthodontic treatment is carried out between the ages of 9-14, some problems, such as thumb-sucking habits and severely protruding teeth, are best treated earlier while the child still has ‘baby’ teeth. Orthodontic care is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Each patient requires an individualised treatment plan and this plan can only be determined by taking the appropriate diagnostic records
  • What is involved in the treatment?
    Early treatment may last a year or longer. Your child may need to wear some removable appliances during this time to influence the growth of the bone or muscles. In most cases a second stage of the treatment will require fixed braces or 'train tracks' and will only be used as a finishing procedure to 'tidy up'.
  • The Orthodontic Evaluation
    An orthodontic evaluation is necessary to determine the required treatment and to assess your child's profile, jaws, teeth and muscles. Patrick may ask questions about your child's teeth so if you have access to any previous x-rays or models, you should bring them to the appointment. If you are unable to, we will organise these before treatment commences.
  • What are the benefits of early orthodontics?

    Early treatment offers many benefits by achieving one or more of the
    following goals:

    Enhancing the child's self-esteem by improving the jaw alignment.

    Creating a more stable long-term result, especially with severe bite problems.

    Shortening or improving the results of the second phase treatment.

    Allowing treatment to be given at an age when children are more co-operative.

    Helping prevent fractures to upper front teeth that protrude and are more easily damaged during a fall or accident.

    Minimising the possibility of future jaw surgery

    Minimising the likelihood of the extraction of permanent teeth.

  • Orthodontics - is there an age barrier?

    Early treatment offers many benefits by achieving one or more of the
    following goals:

    Enhancing the child's self-esteem by improving the jaw alignment.

    Creating a more stable long-term result, especially with severe bite problems.

    Shortening or improving the results of the second phase treatment.

    Allowing treatment to be given at an age when children are more co-operative.

    Helping prevent fractures to upper front teeth that protrude and are more easily damaged during a fall or accident.

    Minimising the possibility of future jaw surgery

    Minimising the likelihood of the extraction of permanent teeth.