In short, the best time to see an orthodontist in Philadelphia is when you want to have an orthodontic treatment. This seems simple enough, but the real answer is a little more complicated. For teenagers and children, orthodontics must be handled delicately, as the mouth is still growing and the teeth are still coming in and reaching their final stages of growth.
In adulthood, it is much easier to determine the right time for orthodontics, as the mouth is finished growing. Unless there are other issues with your teeth or jaw, an orthodontist can begin treatment almost immediately.
There are several factors to evaluate whether or not now is the right time for a visit to the orthodontist, either for you or for your child. Once you decide when to go, make sure you check the Orthodontist Reviews to make sure you choose the right team.
Dentist Recommendation
Teenagers and Children
Because dentists and orthodontists often follow the same educational path, dentists can often tell when a child’s mouth is ready for braces and other orthodontic treatments. Because all children age differently, some may be ready for braces earlier than others, while some may have to wait well into their teenage years for all of their adult teeth to come in.
These days, dentists are often recommending that children have a consultation with an orthodontist as early as age seven, when some adult teeth have begun to come in, and the problems that will worsen with age have begun to appear. At this stage, the orthodontist may be able to tell if these problems will sort themselves out, if there are preventative measures that can be taken, or if it is best to wait and see how the mouth changes as the child continues to grow.
The early to mid-teenage years is the most common time for people to get the braces, splints, bridges, and headgear that helps their jaw and teeth to properly align. If a teenager has not already been evaluated by an orthodontist by age fourteen, most dentists will recommend a provider and possibly even schedule the appointment, especially if there a specific problem they have noticed in check-ups.
Adults
Once the mouth has finished growing, and the teeth have been set and used for many years, the dentist can see where there are areas of special wear, which are often caused by incorrect teeth alignment. A dentist can look at these areas and can give the patient recommendations about what kind of orthodontic treatments could help these areas.
Some adults believe, because they were told as children, that any crowding or misalignments in their teeth cause only cosmetic problems, and would be too expensive to fix. However, dentists and orthodontists know that issues like improper bite and teeth crowding can actually affect the health of the entire mouth. If a dentist feels that any issues could be solved with braces or other treatments, he will tell you that now is the time to see an orthodontist.
Oral Issues
Teenagers and Children
As the mouth continues to grow, there are bound to be a myriad of problems. From simple crowding, which is caused by too many teeth in too small of a space, to over-bites and under-bites, which can cause undue wear on some teeth. Many children even find that their individual teeth grow in sideways or at an odd angle, even if the rest of their teeth are perfectly fine. These are signs that it is time to consult with an orthodontist. However, there are some oral issues to consider that may hold off orthodontics for a couple of years.
If the child does not yet have all of their adult teeth, for example, many orthodontists recommend waiting until they have all grown in. The work done by braces and spreaders can be reversed if a new, larger tooth grows in and disrupts the lines of the other teeth. In that same vein, some orthodontist prefer to have their patients remove their wisdom teeth before they begin a treatment, unless there is ample room in the mouth for these additional teeth to grow in.
Because the risk of cavities is greater during the time a person has braces, if a child is having a bout of cavities, it may be better to wait until better oral hygiene becomes a habit or a dentist can apply an enamel hardening treatment to mitigate the possibility of further cavities.
Adults
If you begin to notice that you are having some serious problems with your teeth or jaw, it is probably time to see an orthodontist. Jaw soreness and grinding teeth are two common problems that can actually be permanently fixed by the proper orthodontic treatment. Many people grind their teeth because their upper and lower bites do not fit together properly.
As they sleep, they try to close their bite, and the teeth slip against each other again and again. This wears teeth down and can lead to broken teeth and severe jaw joint issues. If you are waking up with a sore jaw, sore teeth, and dull, constant headaches, visiting an orthodontist can determine whether or not corrective treatments can help you solve this problem.
Oral issues like broken or infected teeth, as well as implants and other problems may delay orthodontic treatment. The mouth must be relatively healthy before an application like braces, as it can cause serious disruption to the mouth.
Cosmetic Inclinations
Teenagers and Children
Teenagers especially can feel the sting of having crooked teeth in these developmental years. Though braces and applications like headgear are not exactly flattering, the results they produce can help to build the self-esteem of a young person. Even if there is not medical reason for braces, some teenagers will still choose to straighten their teeth for cosmetic reasons.
Adults
Until recently, braces were not as widely used simply to correct a few crooked teeth. Many people reach adulthood being told they did not need braces, and instead, have lived with some misaligned teeth. Now, in adulthood, they can still see and orthodontists and find out if braces or other similar treatments can help them achieve a more even, natural smile.
We highly recommend that you choose an orthodontist that has top 1% elite status with Invisalign and is 2014 Top Dentist according to Philly Mag.
Contact our office today for a free consultation. Don’t hold back–straight teeth are now within your reach!
