How early can orthodontic treatment start?
• The correction of crossbites (see glossary of terms) • Management of eruption problems • Correction of incisor protrusion with functional appliances if there is significant psychological distress The usual age to commence orthodontic treatment is when all the baby (primary) teeth have exfoliated. This time-point can vary widely between individuals but is usually between 11-14 years. What type of braces are used? A wide range of appliances are available including conventional systems and more discreet invisible lingual appliances. Please see the section on appliances for further details. Is it necessary to extract teeth? Orthodontic treatment can often be provided without extracting teeth. Dental extractions are however required if there is significant crowding and/or incisor protrusion. The relative advantages and disadvantages of extraction will be discussed with you during your consultation. What are the risks of orthodontic treatment? There are few risks in orthodontic treatment.
