Braces: better than ever
Orthodontic treatment today is likely very different from what you remember as a child. There are currently several types of treatment options available, including clear braces and Invisalign®. Traditional metal braces have also had advancements and are more streamlined and comfortable than ever before. If you are interested in orthodontic treatment, now is a great time to get started, no matter your age! Goldreich Orthodontics offers braces treatment for children, teens, and adults.
Orthodontics for children
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting an orthodontist around age seven.
By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
- For parents, it’s not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment.
Signs your child needs to see an orthodontist
If your child is showing any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a free consultation at Goldreich Orthodontics.
Early or late loss of baby teeth
A hard time chewing or biting food
Mouth breathing
Finger or thumb sucking
Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
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
Adolescent treatment
The age range of 11 to 15 years old represents the most common time to get braces. By age 11 or 12, most people have a full set of permanent teeth and are therefore ready to begin orthodontic treatment if required. Because crooked teeth and bad bites rarely correct on their own, getting started with metal or clear braces at this time seems to work best for most people. We also offer Invisalign® Teen.
Adult treatment
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Adults can often be treated with either traditional metal, clear braces, or Invisalign®.