Ismile Orthodonics

Weekdays: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Am I Suitable for Orthodontic Treatment?

Many people consider braces and other forms of teeth realignment something only suitable for children. In recent years, orthodontic treatments have advanced so much that many adults and older teenagers are seeking to achieve their perfect smile later in life. Some practices even specialise in orthodontic care for adults and centres across the world have reported a significant increase in the number of adult patients.

Most children visit an orthodontist for the first time at the age of seven or eight and they are often referred by their family dentist. It is not usually until they are older that orthodontic treatments such as braces begin. At iSmile Orthodontics, we do not require a referral to assess you or your child’s orthodontic needs and accessing the specialist care of an orthodontist early in your child’s life allows us to evaluate the jaw growth, emerging teeth positioning and create a proactive treatment plan as well as offering preliminary treatments if required. Missing out on this, however, is not a problem. Adults can successfully undergo treatment and achieve that perfect smile despite beginning later in life.

As we mature, there may be limitations to how much your adult teeth can be moved. As our jawbones develop, they harden and become more rigid. Teeth are more easily shifted in children below the age of eighteen. After this time, teeth are not only more difficult to move and take more time to do so but are more likely to move back after the treatment has been completed. Wearing a retainer at night indefinitely is the best way to prevent this from happening and can ensure you maintain that perfect smile you have achieved.

Some adults may be unable to undergo orthodontic treatment due to the state of their teeth. We offer a free introduction consultation to assess your suitability. Weak teeth or patients suffering from tooth decay are vulnerable to damage and an extreme measure such as braces may not be advised in these circumstances. If you have gum disease, you will need to get this treated before you begin to wear braces as the risk of developing further problems can be exacerbated. Additionally, if you have had extensive dental work such as bridges, you may not be suitable for orthodontic treatment because your remaining natural teeth may not be strong enough to withstand the pressure of the braces.

If your teeth and gums are healthy and strong, orthodontic treatment could help to resolve the following problems:

  • Crowding – teeth move forward routinely over time
  • Overbite
  • Spacing – if you’ve had extractions in the past, your teeth may shift into available spaces. Additionally, braces can help minimise obvious extraction gaps

 

Some lucky people start off life with a perfect smile and find themselves needing orthodontic treatment later in life as their bodies change and the teeth shift forward. It is never too late to regain control. Make an appointment with an experienced orthodontist at iSmile Orthodontics today and begin your journey towards straight teeth and a perfect smile. If you’re concerned about aesthetics during the treatment, ask about our range of minimal brace options including Invisalignâ and ceramic braces. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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