Wondering if there is a right age to begin your orthodontic journey is very common. This happens because we usually think that orthodontic treatment is for kids and teenagers. While it’s true that our jaws and crooked teeth can be harder to move as we age, this doesn’t mean that orthodontic care is limited to a certain age group. Although it can be more complicated and take more time, adults can also achieve great smiles!
We recommend that you consult with a dental professional who can help you explore how orthodontic treatment can help you achieve the smile of your dreams, no matter where you are in your life’s journey.
What Is Preventive Orthodontics?
Taking your kids to the orthodontist’s office from a young age has several benefits! This approach is known as preventive orthodontics; it refers to addressing dental problems at an early age to prevent more complicated issues from developing in the future.
Although preventive orthodontics can be easier than corrective orthodontics, it is important to understand that it is never too late to transform your smile. Corrective orthodontic treatment can improve your oral health and the aesthetics of your teeth at any age.
Let’s talk about some of the aspects that influence preventive orthodontics:
Maxillary Fusion:
Preventive orthodontics can be more effective because the maxilla tends to fuse between the ages of 16 and 18. As a consequence, modifying its shape after this age becomes more challenging. This doesn’t mean that orthodontic treatment in the future is impossible, just that it would take more time and effort.
Bone Structure Tigtening:
As we grow up, our bone structure tightens. Our teeth and jaws settle into their permanent positions, making them more resistant to changes. But there’s good news! Centennial Orthodontic technology and techniques are constantly improving, which gives us more possibilities and options to address dental issues.
When you start your Centennial orthodontic journey, you need to be hopeful! It does not matter your age; treatment can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Whether you are a kid starting your dental process or an adult wanting to invest in your oral health, orthodontic treatment can help you achieve the benefits of a healthier smile.
What Is the Right Age for Orthodontic Treatment?
Well, it is important to understand that every dental situation is different, so the timing of treatment depends on specific needs and factors. However, the recommended age to attend the first orthodontic consultation is around the age of 7.
This initial consultation will allow the orthodontist to examine your kid’s oral development, identifying potential orthodontic problems. This doesn’t mean that they will start their treatment immediately. Usually, orthodontic treatment begins during the teenage years, after most of the permanent teeth come in. When the orthodontist indicates that it is time to start treatment, the patient will have several options, such as traditional braces or clear aligners.
It does not matter if you missed out on treatment when you were a teenager. Thanks to the advances in orthodontic technology, you can improve your oral health at any age.
What Is the Purpose of Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?
If the orthodontist finds that complex dental issues are already happening during your kid’s first consultation, they will recommend interceptive orthodontic treatment in Centennial. This refers to addressing children’s orthodontic problems at an early age.
But what is the purpose of interceptive orthodontic treatment? Well, this treatment focuses on guiding the development of the jaws and teeth so your kid can enjoy a healthier and more beautiful smile. Let’s explore this further:
Jaw Remodeling:
Childhood and adolescence offer the perfect timeframe to address issues that are still developing. The jaws and teeth are easy to influence at these ages. As a consequence, orthodontists use all kinds of devices to guide and remodel the shape of the jaw. This approach can help them to avoid more complicated bite problems such as overbites or underbites.
Minimizing the Impact of Invasive Treatment:
Interceptive treatment can minimize the need for more invasive and extensive treatment in the future due to the possibility of addressing orthodontic issues in the early stages. This approach guides permanent teeth into their proper positions, reducing the possibility of needing extractions or more complicated procedures later on.
What Is Phase One Orthodontic Treatment?
Usually, phase one orthodontic treatment takes place around the ages of 7 and 11. The purpose of this treatment is to address orthodontic issues when they are still developing. This will allow jaw growth modification and guide permanent teeth into their proper positions.
What Is Phase Two Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase Two of orthodontic care usually starts after most of the permanent teeth come in during the teenage years, around ages 12 to 14.
What Is Invisalign First?
If you want the best smile for your little one, you must consider Invisalign First. This refers to an orthodontic treatment designed for children and young patients who have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth.
Invisalign First offers several benefits that include comfort, discretion, and convenience. So, clear aligners won’t get in the way of your child’s eating habits, oral hygiene, hobbies, or activities, allowing them to start their orthodontic process with confidence. These dental appliances will help guide the teeth into their proper alignment, creating a healthy smile for your kids.
We recommend that you consult with a dental professional to determine if Invisalign First can address the specific needs of your children’s smile.
What Is Invisalign Teen?
Centennial Invisalign Teen is a great way to address dental issues in teenagers. This treatment helps them achieve a healthy and well-aligned smile while using clear and removable aligners for their particular dental needs.
These appliances represent a perfect orthodontic option since they fit their lifestyle, allowing them to continue with their routine, attending to their activities, and practicing sports. So, if you have a teenager who needs orthodontic treatment, you should consider consulting with an orthodontist to explore the benefits of Invisalign First!
How Does Invisalign for Teens Differ from Adult Invisalign?
Although Invisalign Teens and Adult Invisalign share the same principles and technology, there are several aspects and unique features that differentiate them, such as:
Compliance Indicators:
Invisalign Teens has a feature that helps parents and orthodontists to track their progress. We are talking about blue compliance indicators that slowly disappear as the patient wears their appliances. On the other hand, adults don’t need these indicators because they are usually more responsible about wearing their aligners.
Eruption Tabs:
In addition, Centennial Invisalign Teens can include eruption tabs to create space for the eruption of adult teeth. The purpose of these tabs is to guide new teeth into their correct position as they come in.
Missing Trays Replacements:
Clear aligners for teen provides extra replacement aligners because teenagers have more possibilities of losing or damaging their appliances. Adult Invisalign includes fewer replacements because they tend to be more careful with their treatment.
What’s the Worst Age to Get Braces?
There’s no worse age for wearing braces! Braces and treatments continue evolving thanks to the advances in orthodontic technologies and techniques. This means that orthodontic treatment is no longer just for kids and teenagers. So, adults can also achieve a fabulous smile with little effort and time.
Do not hesitate! If you want to improve your oral health and aesthetics, you can explore all kinds of orthodontic options. All you need to do is reach out to an orthodontist’s practice, where they will provide guidance and give you recommendations about the best treatment option for your case.
It doesn’t matter your age; it’s never too late to contact Sloss & Carpenter Orthodontics! We will make sure that you have a great orthodontic experience in a comfortable and safe space. They love meeting new patients, discussing treatment options, and answering concerns. Don’t wait any longer, and book your orthodontic evaluation today!
