Ortho Screenings

Time to Straighten Up

When should I first visit an orthodontist?

Teeth and jaw alignment issues are quite common, but luckily orthodontics can help almost any alignment issue you or your child may have. The best time to visit us is when your child's permeant teeth start growing in, around age 7. Dr. Noreen Goldwire may point out that your child's baby teeth appear crowded or that the relationship between the upper lower teeth isn't ideal. While we most likely won't suggest treatment for younger children, we can prepare you for what kind of treatment your child may need in the future. This also allows Dr. Noreen Goldwire to monitor your child's situation early and identify the ideal time your child would benefit from braces. 

Although many people get braces or aligners as teenagers, orthodontic treatment plays a role for some children in earlier childhood. Since permanent teeth are typically larger than baby teeth, space may need to be opened with the gentle force of braces or a device called a palatal expander. This allows adult teeth to move into place correctly, helping avoid more extensive treatment later.

A narrow jaw or a large overbite may create a similar issue. Gently guiding your child’s jaw growth while they are developing can make a tremendous difference down the road. Once the growth stops during teen years, the only corrective measure often involves surgery, which is always a scenario to avoid when possible.

The Usual Track

Many kids benefit from orthodontics after their baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth have moved into place. This may start in the early teen years, leaving a nicely aligned and highly functional set of teeth as your teen enters adulthood. The length of time spent wired-up can vary, but the average treatment time is often around two years.

Orthodontic treatment can solve almost every possible bite issue, but success relies on good patient compliance. Wearing elastic bands consistently, keeping follow-up appointments for adjustments, and practicing outstanding home care can lead to a positive outcome. As well as wearing your retainers post-treatment.

Keep up on your dental cleaning appointments with your hygienist as well. They can help you with a strategy that helps avoid permanent staining from weakened enamel and cavities around brackets. Noreen Goldwire DDS specializes in helping our orthodontic patients enjoy a successful outcome: a gorgeous, healthy smile.