While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a visit to the orthodontist around age seven, when the permanent molars and front teeth are erupting.
By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth which makes it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner, reducing the need for more invasive treatment in the future.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
- Improve the width of the upper and lower dental arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Minimize the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct habits like thumb sucking
- Help improve minor speech problems
Here are a few things that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- An underbite or overbite
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future!
Orthodontics for Teens in Ottawa, Ontario
Many of our patients start their orthodontic treatment in their teens. The majority of our teen patients are treated with either braces or clear aligners (Invisalign).
Here are a few things that may mean your teen needs to see an orthodontist:
- Late loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- An underbite or overbite
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
How long will I have to wear braces?
The amount of time it takes to treat your smile with braces depends on a few key factors:
What needs correction — The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Orthodontic treatment can last between 6 to 30 months, depending on what needs to be corrected to transform your smile. Different patients react to treatments differently: while it may take one patient only 12 months to complete the treatment, it may take another 24 months. Treatment times can vary, depending on how quickly your body responds, and how much work is needed to give you the incredible smile you expect.
YOU! — Your willingness to use the appliances your orthodontist recommends for you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Your treatment will stay on schedule with your help with great brushing and flossing, following instructions on elastic and appliance wear, and of course, coming to your scheduled appointment! Always remember to take care of your braces and appliances; this truly will help make your treatment shorter!
Our practice offers a variety of braces, types and styles, to choose from. Some common options include:
- Clear/Ceramic braces
- Self-ligating braces (Damon)
- Invisible braces (Invisalign and Spark)
- Traditional metal braces
Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today’s braces make it easy to look good and feel good! Please contact our practice to schedule your next orthodontic checkup.
Orthodontics for Adults in Ottawa, Ontario
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too.
Common reasons why adults are considering orthodontic treatment:
- A bad bite or malocclusion, which causes teeth to fit together incorrectly
- Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly causing tooth decay or gum disease
- Abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
- Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
Treatment options for adults
For many adults, the thought of having metal braces might discourage them from seeking treatment. However, today’s orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:
- Clear/Ceramic braces
- Ceramic braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Invisible braces (Invisalign and Spark)
- Traditional metal braces
The main difference to remember when treating adults or children and teens, is that in younger patients the jawbones are still growing and developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery to align the jawbones. Other differences include:
Worn or missing teeth — Over time, teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, creating a poor bite.
Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
Retreatment of orthodontic treatment — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment or stopped wearing their retainers. As an adult, they choose to redo their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.
Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require different levels of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatments, and your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.
Why should an adult consider orthodontic treatment?
Straight teeth are healthy teeth — Teeth that are ideally aligned are easier to maintain with flossing and brushing, and may help prevent other health problems.
Mouths left untreated can get worse — Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it’s needed can create long-term health issues that cost you more in the end.
A beautiful, straight smile builds confidence — Orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without holding back!
To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics, please contact our administrative team to schedule an appointment. We understand you have a busy schedule, and we will work with you to make sure each office visit is as convenient as possible.