Some of us are born with perfect smiles, but it’s rare. Young children often receive orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth, along with less-than-satisfactory oral bone development issues. Getting an orthodontic evaluation can have a plethora of benefits. Orthodontic treatments, including braces, are extremely common in children and young adults to ensure teeth grow healthy and straight. Aside from the obvious aesthetic improvement, orthodontics also treat malocclusion, or misaligned bites. Abnormalities in teeth or bites cause difficulties with chewing, speaking and cleaning.
Child Orthodontic Evaluation
Typically, between the ages of 6 and 12, children receive their permanent “adult” set of teeth. Crowding, gaps, protruding, missing teeth and jaw issues often arise during these crucial growing years. When these troubles are caught early, it is referred to an “interceptive orthodontics” as the dental professional is hindering further structural oral issues before they do serious damage. Typically, it’s easier for a child to undergo orthodontic treatment as opposed to an adult since facial growth is still progressing. The American Dental Association recommends all children have at least one orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Adult Orthodontic Evaluation
Although many children are familiar with orthodontics, nearly one-third of all orthodontic patients in Florida are adults. If you did not receive proper treatment for misaligned teeth or bite problems as a child, or complications developed later on, it’s not too late to fix your concerns. Here are just a few of the benefits associated with orthodontics:
- Clearer speech
- Improved chewing and oral function
- Eliminating wear and tear from misalignment
- Enhancing function with crowns and restoration
- Minimizing risk of periodontal gum disease
Orthodontists usually undergo two additional years of education prior to receiving their specialized degrees. Dr. Ted Hermann of Assure A Smile has been practicing both general dentistry and orthodontics in South Florida since 1989, and is well-versed in orthodontic treatments for children, teens and adults. To request an appointment, call our office at 305-274-0047 or use the online scheduling form on our homepage.
