Early Treatment and Teens
As specialist orthodontist, we like to see a child when they’re 7-8 years old. This also coincides with the eruption of the permanent front teeth, to assess if there is likely to be any need for early (intervention) treatment.
Modern orthodontics takes a holistic approach to the overall wellbeing of a child, in addition to the teeth and jaws, we look at facial growth and development as well as function and breathing.
It is a common misconception that orthodontics deals only with straightening crooked teeth – this is only one part of orthodontics.
Early assessment does not equal early treatment, it mainly allows us to time treatment correctly to be most effective as well as efficient. There are many stories floating around on the internet of 4-5 year long orthodontic treatments.
In most cases, these protracted courses of treatment can be avoided through well timed effective treatments.
We strongly believe in minimising the burden of treatment staying clear of “over-treatment”. We like to limit the amount of treatment delivered at an early age to that which delivers a proven long-term benefit, and positively impacts future development.
It has been misconceived that orthodontic treatment should only be performed when all the adult teeth have erupted. In many cases this is too late.
Some bite and jaw development issues are best treated at a young age before puberty while baby teeth are still present. Other problems are best addressed during the growth spurt that accompanies puberty when the adult teeth are coming through.
This is the time when much of the development of the face occurs. Treatment during this period allows the orthodontist to favourably influence the facial profile in a growing child. Once growth of the facial bones is complete, correction of skeletal discrepancies usually requires surgery.
After all, the face and mouth are complex structures, and different parts grow and mature at different stages in a child’s development. Correct timing ensures that we benefit from natural growth to help the treatment and prevent certain bite problems from getting worse or negatively impacting the developing teeth and jaws.
What are some of the issues that require early intervention? Here are some examples:
- Excessive crowding: early treatment can reduce the need for extractions in the future
- Crossbites (also known as “underbite”)
- Large overbites
- Extra teeth
- Missing teeth
- Delayed tooth eruption
- Underdeveloped upper jaw
- Obstructive sleep apnoea, excessive mouth breathing and snoring
- Chronic “thumb or finger’ sucking habits
- Protrusive front teeth at risk to trauma
What are the benefits of an early intervention?
- Normalising the growth environment for both the teeth and soft tissue such as the lips and tongue
- Preventing abnormal tooth wear on the adult teeth
- Reducing or eliminating the need for extractions
- Reducing the risk of trauma
An assessment with a specialist orthodontist that is taken between ages 7 – 8 years old allows us to make a tailored long-term plan that ensures that the child has the best possible outcome with the least burden of care.
Teens
Teens is “typically” the most common time for teenagers to start orthodontic treatment and begin having braces. Treatment options and technology have come a long way in recent years to make this whole experience more enjoyable.
Traditional metal braces are a popular treatment option for teenagers due to their durability and effectiveness in correcting even the most complex dental issues.
However, for those who are self-conscious about their appearance, clear ceramic braces may be a more appealing option, as they are less noticeable.
Clear removable aligners, such as Invisalign Teen, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their comfort and convenience. These aligners are nearly invisible, making them a great option for teenagers who do not want to wear visible braces.
They are also removable, allowing for easier oral hygiene and the ability to eat and drink without restrictions.
For teenagers who may be involved in sports or other activities, lingual braces that are attached to the back of the teeth can provide effective treatment without the need for visible brackets on the front of the teeth.
Regardless of the treatment option chosen, orthodontic treatment requires consistent effort and commitment from the patient to achieve the desired results.
It is important for teenagers to follow their orthodontist's instructions for wearing and caring for their braces or aligners to ensure a successful treatment outcome.
What is comprehensive treatment?
Comprehensive treatment usually starts once all the permanent teeth are fully erupted, which is normally around 12-15 years old. Some patients don’t require any treatment until this point, while others may have needed treatment as a young child, in which case this stage of treatment would be referred to as Phase 2.
At the comprehensive treatment stage (or Phase 2) your teenager will have all their permanent teeth. Braces are bonded to each tooth and wires fitted. This is the final correction phase of the malocclusion and where most of the dental movements are done.
Once comprehensive treatment is complete, the patient will typically wear both fixed and removable retainer to help maintain their new smile. Retainers are designed to prevent the teeth from shifting back into their original positions.
Regular check-ups with the orthodontist will also be important to ensure that the teeth and bite remain stable over time.
Duration
The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the individual case, severity of the orthodontic problems, and the chosen treatment plan. In general, the average treatment time for braces is around 18 to 24 months.
However, some cases may require longer treatment times, while others may only take 6-12 months.
In recent years, orthodontic technology has advanced significantly, providing patients with more options for effective and efficient treatment, such as clear aligners technology, digital scanning and imaging for better planning and monitoring and customised 3D printed appliances for comfort and accuracy.
Regular visits to the orthodontist are necessary to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to your braces or aligners. By taking good care of your teeth and braces or aligners, you can help ensure that your treatment stays on track and that you achieve the desired results.
This includes maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding hard and sticky foods that could damage your braces or aligners, and wearing any prescribed appliances or rubber bands as directed.
Overall, these advances in orthodontic technology have made treatment more efficient, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing for patients. It is important to consult with an experienced orthodontist to determine the best treatment option for your individual needs.