Anyone with a malocclusion (this includes such things as crowding, crooked teeth, spacing, irregular bite, impacted or missing teeth and many other reasons). The benefits of treatment include a more comfortable or functional bite, improved aesthetics, a better smile and ease of cleaning. Improving your alignment and bite can also reduce excessive tooth wear over time. Although growth status or age can influence treatment modalities available, there is no defined age limit to orthodontic treatment. Our treatment plans are tailored for every case.
For Patients
Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment?
Children
You or your dentist may notice your child’s bite, oral habits, crowding, dental or jaw development doesn’t seem right. Taking your child to the orthodontist for their first visit at around 7-9 years of age is recommended to check their dental and jaw development.
Although we may not yet need to start treatment, we can plan for and closely monitor situations that require early orthodontic intervention. This can either prevent problems in the future or intercept developing problems to avoid them worsening over the longer term.
Many orthodontic treatments are age and developmental stage dependent; thus, it is best to keep as many options as possible available in case they are needed.
Treatments where timing is important include early loss of baby teeth, maxillary expansion, functional appliances, missing or extra teeth, as well as many others. There’s nothing worse than to hear that we could’ve done something more to help had we seen your child earlier.
Teenagers
A common time for orthodontic treatment once the permanent teeth have erupted. Rapid growth that is occurring during this time assists the speed of tooth movement and bite correction. This is a great time to consider treatment during the important formative years to set up your teen’s dental future.
A comfortable bite and great smile can help with function, oral hygiene, positive self-esteem and confidence.
Many peers will be going through this same process and so there is no need to feel embarrassed. Afterwards, you will be looking and feeling great for those big milestone’s like school balls, graduations, birthday parties and everything beyond!
Adults
Adults of all ages are welcome at Smile Arc. We often find our adult patients either didn’t have the opportunity for orthodontic treatment as a child or weren’t interested then. They have now made a conscious decision to treat their malocclusion.
Perhaps there’s an upcoming significant life event like a wedding, birthday or other. Maybe you have lost teeth and would benefit from an interdisciplinary treatment (working with your general dentist and other dental specialties) to provide the ideal foundation prior to treatments such as implants or crowns.
Maybe you have been made aware of a jaw deficiency that is affecting your breathing or contributing to sleep apnoea.
Treating such orthodontic issues can greatly improve your oral health, confidence and quality of life.
Some patients received orthodontic treatment as a child, but didn’t wear their retainers well, and now wish to bring their teeth back to their former glory. In the past it was less common to see adults in orthodontic treatment, today it’s very normal. Plus, there are more cosmetic and discreet treatment options available like ceramic braces or clear aligners.
Discover your best smile!
