What are the benefits of having braces at an early age and will my child need braces again after all the permanent teeth come in?

Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop which can cause tooth problems later.  An upper or lower jaw that is growing improperly can be recognized at an early age.  If a child is found to have a jaw problem at age six or seven, orthodontic treatment can redirect the growth to prevent a serious facial deformity from developing.  Treatment of these problems at an early age can produce benefits that would be impossible if treated at a later time.  This usually demands a two phase orthodontic treatment program.

Two phase treatment is split into two time periods, with each period being the best time to correct specific problems.  The first phase takes approximately 12 – 18 months while some of the baby teeth are still present.  The goal of the first phase is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to fit the upper and lower jaws to each other.  This is followed by a rest period to allow the permanent teeth to come in.  A second and final phase of active orthodontic treatment follows and takes approximately 12 – 18 months.  The final tooth and bite alignments are best treated in the second phase of treatment.  The diagram below illustrates the timing of two phase treatment.

Occasionally, when a patient is being treated with a two phase treatment program, the permanent teeth erupt more rapidly than anticipated.  If this situation should occur, the parents will be advised that the patient should continue directly into the second phase of treatment without removing the orthodontic appliances.

If the child is not treated in two phases, he will most certainly need extensive orthodontic treatment later.  Total treatment time for two phase treatment is no longer than treating a similar problem with a teenager or adult, and is sometimes shorter.  Since better results can be obtained by treating early, there is nothing to be gained by waiting.  Two phase treatment may require more complex and involved orthodontic services, but we have found that the final benefits more than justify any additional time involved.

 Am I too old for braces?

There is no age that is too old for braces.  Sometimes the misalignment of teeth, severely rotated, or crowded teeth can cause periodontal problems due to the inability to clean properly.  Once teeth are straightened, it is easier to maintain a clean and healthy smile.

Sometimes braces are required to position teeth to increase the success rate of an implant restoration or bridge site.   Many adults prefer to get veneers to straighten their upper teeth and require lower braces to align the bite properly and protect their veneers.

I want straight teeth but really don’t want braces.  Is there another low – cost alternative?

If your bite is not a concern and you have one or two rotated front teeth, removable retainers made at our lab can rotate and straighten teeth that need minimal movement.  Usually nighttime wear is enough to correct these teeth.

After my braces are removed, how can I keep them straight?

Teeth have memory and may shift some after the removal of braces.  It is necessary to have follow – up care by Dr. Jenkins after the braces are removed.  We recommend wearing retainers at least one night a week for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight.

Should I get my teeth cleaned while I’m wearing braces?

When a patient is wearing braces it is very important to have your teeth cleaned and examined at least every 6 months by your General Dentist.