At what age can people have orthodontic treatment?
Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics, because healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Because monitoring growth and development is crucial to managing some orthodontic problems well, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult. An orthodontic evaluation at any age is advisable if a parent, family dentist or the patients physician has noted a problem. • What causes orthodontic problems Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaws, teeth and face.
The biological process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age. Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics. It is recommended that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Treatment may take a little longer for adults. Because an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone.
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily as well as for adults as children. Orthodontic forces move the teeth in the same way for both a 60-year-old adult and a 12-year-old child. However, because an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing, some severe malocclusions cannot be corrected with braces alone and some may require a combination therapy of jaw surgery and braces.
Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics, because healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Because monitoring growth and development is crucial to managing some orthodontic problems well, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult. An orthodontic evaluation at any age is advisable if a parent, family dentist or the patient s physician has noted a problem.
