Orthodontic FAQs

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends an orthodontic screening for children by the age of 7 years. At age 7 the teeth and jaws are developed enough so that the dentist or orthodontist can see if there will be any serious bite problems in the future. Most of the time treatment is not necessary at age 7, but it gives the parents and dentist time to watch the development of the patient and decide on the best mode of treatment. When you have time on your side, you can plan ahead and prevent the formation of serious problems.

Research has shown that serious orthodontic problems can be more easily corrected when the patient’s skeleton is still growing and flexible. We can prepare the mouth for the eventual eruption of the permanent teeth by correcting the skeletal problems at a younger age. If the permanent teeth have adequate space to erupt they will come in fairly straight. If the teeth erupt fairly straight, their tendency to get crooked again after the braces come off is diminished significantly. After the permanent teeth have erupted – usually from age 12-14 – complete braces are placed for final alignment and detailing of the bite. Thus, the final stage of treatment is quicker and easier on the patient. The last phase of treatment usually lasts from 12 – 18 months and is not started until all of the permanent teeth are erupted.

Doing orthodontic treatments in two steps provides excellent results, often allowing the doctor to avoid removal of permanent teeth and jaw surgery.

• Phase-1 treatment is conducted when some of the baby teeth are still present is called.
• Phase-2 treatment occurs after all of the permanent teeth have erupted.

Crowded teeth, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, premature loss of baby teeth, and a poor breathing airway can all contribute to poor tooth positioning. Hereditary factors such as extra teeth, large teeth, missing teeth, wide spacing and small jaws – all can be causes of crowded teeth.

Tooth movement is a natural response to light pressure over a period of time. Pressure is applied by using a variety of orthodontic appliances. The most common orthodontic hardwear are braces or brackets attached to the teeth and connected by an arch wire. Periodically changing these arch wires puts pressure on the teeth. At different stages of treatment, your child may wear headgear, elastics, a positioner or a retainer. Most orthodontic appointments are scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart to give the teeth time to move.

Discomfort may result when teeth are first moved. This usually lasts about 24 to 72 hours. Patients report a lessening of pain as the treatment progresses. Pain medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) usually help relieve the pain.

Invisalign and other clear aligners are custom-made, removable plastic trays designed to gradually straighten teeth. They offer a nearly invisible alternative to traditional metal braces, making them a popular choice for patients who prefer a more discreet orthodontic treatment.

Compared to traditional braces, clear aligners:

• Are removable – making it easier to eat, brush, and floss.
• Are more comfortable – with no metal brackets or wires that may cause irritation.
• Require fewer office visits – as there are no adjustments needed, just new aligner sets every few weeks.
• Are less effective for complex cases – while great for mild to moderate alignment issues, traditional braces may be necessary for severe misalignment, bite issues, or complex tooth movements.

A consultation with an orthodontist can help determine the best option based on your specific needs.

Yes, pediatric and adult orthodontics differ in approach due to variations in dental development, treatment goals, and the ability to move teeth effectively.

• Pediatric orthodontics focuses on early intervention, guiding jaw growth and correcting alignment issues before permanent teeth fully develop. Early treatment can help prevent more complex problems in the future and may involve appliances like palatal expanders or partial braces.
• Adult orthodontics is typically corrective rather than preventive. Since adult bones are fully developed, treatment may take longer than with children, and additional procedures, such as extractions or surgery, may be needed in some cases. However, adults have more treatment options, including Invisalign and clear braces, for a discreet solution.

Both children and adults can achieve a healthier, straighter smile with the right orthodontic care!