What is the right age of getting orthodontic treatment done?
Orthodontic treatment is a transformational journey that encompasses people from different age groups.
It is a proven fact that Orthodontic treatment has an immense impact on patient’s functional , emotional and social well being.
Although there is no right age to start orthodontic treatment but the treatment approach changes with patient’s age.
Interceptive orthodontic treatment, also known as early or preventative orthodontic care, aims to detect and address potential bite issues before they fully develop, thereby preventing more serious problems in the future. Because children aged 4 to 11 have jawbones that are still growing, an orthodontist can guide this growth to correct or prevent misalignment of the bite (malocclusion).
While the child may still need orthodontic treatment once they are old enough, interceptive orthodontic treatment can reduce the extent of treatment. Additionally, interceptive orthodontic Creates and maintains space for adult teeth to erupt properly
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Lowers the risk of dental emergencies caused by protruding teeth
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Gently guides jaw growth for better facial symmetry
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Reduces the risk of tooth extraction
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Optimizes proper bite and jaw development
Space Maintainers
In the case that any child loses a baby tooth prematurely, their dentist may recommend a space maintainer. As their name implies, space maintainers are designed to keep the space left by a lost tooth open until the permanent tooth emerges. Without a space maintainer, adjacent teeth can shift into the empty space, potentially causing the permanent tooth to come in crooked or fail to erupt properly.
Palatal Expanders
Palatal Expanders are used when a child has a narrow upper palate that is too small to fit incoming permanent teeth. This can lead to overlapping or overcrowding of the teeth. To address this issue and ensure adequate space for the permanent teeth, a palatal expander is often used to gradually widen the palate.
Crossbite Correction
A cross bite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. When a crossbite occurs with the back teeth, it is referred to as a posterior crossbite, while a crossbite involving the front teeth is called an anterior crossbite. To prevent a crossbite from developing or to minimize its severity, it may be recommended to utilise different treatments. In some instances, a palate expander may be used, but other situations might necessitate different or additional orthodontic appliances.
Adult Orthodontics
Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment. About 80% of these adults pursue orthodontics primarily for cosmetic reasons rather than health or functional improvements. Treating non-growing adults requires a different approach compared to adolescents due to various factors. Unlike adolescents, adults do not benefit from growth modification procedures because their growth potential has ceased. This lack of growth potential introduces certain constraints and challenges in their treatment, even though some management strategies may be similar to those used for younger patients.
There are various factors among non growing individuals which require special considerations :-
- Absence or lack of growth.
- Perio-restorative problems.
- Anchorage control
- Closure of extraction spaces
- Temporomandibular Disorders
- Psychological factors
- Age changes of varying degrees
- Treatment time
- Stability
- Role of drugs
Adults tend to be excellent orthodontic patients due to their high motivation and Co operation. Since expectations may also be high, the limitations of orthodontic treatment must be made. While treating an adult for orthodontic concerns , an individualised custom made treatment plan according to patient’s requirement and condition that is crucial for proper outcome and accomplishment of treatment on the basis of careful assessment of complex interaction of various biological, mechanical and psychological factors.
For top-notch orthodontic treatment in Vasant Vihar, visit our clinic to consult with an experienced orthodontist in Vasant Vihar. Whether you are considering braces treatment in Vasant Vihar or exploring options for younger patients, we offer personalized solutions to meet your needs.