Orthodontics: Who Needs It?

While orthodontic treatment can improve smiles at any age, there is usually a best age to begin treatment in order to achieve maximum improvement with the minimum amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child’s first visit to an orthodontist take place by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected.

Child Orthodontics

If problems exist and treatment is necessary, it usually is a first-phase type treatment between the ages of six and ten. Early interceptive, or phase-one treatment can:

• Guide facial growth
• Prevent crowding of permanent teeth
• Correct skeletal problems (crossbites, overbites, underbites)
• Control harmful oral habits
• Reduce the length of comprehensive treatment

Instead of removing crowded permanent teeth, Dr. Abari prefers to make room for them and ensures your child has a big, beautiful smile and a great balanced, facial profile.

After any early interceptive care is completed, the teeth are in a “resting period”. By observation visits approximately two times per year Dr. Abari can carefully monitor growth and permanent tooth eruption. We will keep parents informed of future treatment recommendations, if they are necessary.

Between the ages of ten and twelve most permanent teeth have come in. If at that time there is a need for orthodontic correction, that treatment usually consists of straightening teeth and this comprehensive treatment can require full braces for forteen to twenty-four months.

Teenagers as well as adults also benefit from the skill of Dr. Abari and Dr. Will's orthodontic treatment. You won't be able to stop smiling!

Adult Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a great smile. Believe it or not, 20% of orthodontic patients are over twenty-one!

Today, with the smaller, lighter brackets and wires, braces are more comfortable and less conspicuous than ever before. There are even crystal, clear brackets or the new Invisalign technology for options that are very aesthetic.

Remember, crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and this can lead to tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease and tooth loss. A healthy, beautiful smile is not just about appearance. The sooner you consider treatment the sooner you will be enjoying the confidence and well being a healthy smile provides.

Dr. Abari wants every patient, no matter what age, to be full aware of the steps that are taken to prevent, lesson or correct orthodontic problems. That is why he offers examinations at no charge.