WHEN TO SEE AN ORTHODONTIST
Orthodontist for Children
Since every child grows differently, it takes a trained orthodontic professional to determine whether everything is progressing properly or if early treatment may be needed.
Another important reason for early evaluation is that orthodontic issues are often much easier to correct when they are identified during a child’s active growth stage. Early treatment allows us to guide proper development and, in some cases, use appliances such as a palatal expander to gently widen the upper jaw, create more space for incoming teeth, and help shape a healthier smile.
Although we may or may not begin treatment at this age, early evaluation enables us to catch problems before they develop in severity, and helps us plan an ideal treatment. We may start treatment immediately or delay it, to monitor the child’s development and wait for the best time to start treatment.
Overall, the benefits of early examination and treatment are manifold:
- Proper jaw development, which can prevent jaw surgery later on
- Proper positioning for erupting teeth
- Prevention of tooth extraction
- Reduced risk of trauma from tooth protrusion
- Mitigation of damages from unwanted habits such as thumb sucking
- Proper speech development
- Easy lip closure
- Simplified and shortened overall treatment
Your Thornton and Aurora, CO Orthodontist
At Colorado Orthodontics, our mission is to help each of our patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Our doctors and highly trained team of orthodontic assistants get to know every patient individually, and we design specialized treatment plans that perfectly suit every patient’s unique orthodontic needs.
But before addressing the question of what treatment to pursue, many patients may wonder if they even need to see an orthodontist in the first place.
A Question of Quality
Everyone wonders at some point or another: When is the right time to see an orthodontist? There are a number of ways to answer this, but the most basic is that you should see an orthodontist any time you have a question about the alignment of your teeth, or the overall health of your mouth.
Sometimes this is obvious. If you’re having trouble chewing or speaking, or any teeth are clearly out of alignment, it’s time to come see us.
Other times, it’s not so clear cut. Clenching, grinding, mouth breathing, and having difficulty closing your lips comfortably are all warning signs for orthodontic treatment. If your jaw shifts positions frequently, makes noise as it moves, or you find yourself unintentionally chewing your cheeks or the roof of your mouth, it’s also time for a visit.
You may even experience facial imbalance (asymmetry), in which some facial features aren’t proportionate or aligned correctly to others. We can fix all these issues with orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontist for Adults
Braces aren’t just for kids anymore; adults are discovering the magic of orthodontics. In fact, almost a quarter of our patients are adults! This shouldn’t surprise you: with modern orthodontic technology, getting a new smile has never been easier.
Modern braces are slimmer, more comfortable, and more attractive than ever before, and new treatments like aligners have done away with metal brackets and wires altogether.
There are many benefits of a straighter smile: properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and less susceptible to issues like decay and wear. Furthermore, a beautiful smile imparts a boost in happiness, confidence, and self-esteem that radiates through every aspect of life.
So what are you waiting for? Discover all that orthodontic treatment can do for you!
