The Right Age for Ortho - Iowa City Orthodontics

Young children

We are conservative when it comes to very early interceptive care. We try to minimize any unfavorable experiences when children start visiting our office. There are, however, some limited cases where interceptive treatment or selective extraction of primary teeth can drastically improve the natural development of the occlusion or greatly reduce the possibility of wear or trauma to the permanent teeth.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child receive his or her first orthodontic examination no later than age seven. Early diagnosis and treatment can correct small problems before they become big problems.

Typical signs of the need for an orthodontic exam may include, but are not limited to the early or late loss of teeth, difficulty in chewing, mouth-breathing, finger sucking, crowded teeth, jaw dysfunction, a sunken or protruding jaw or misaligned teeth.

Signs of potential orthodontic problems may not be obvious. Our initial exams are at no-charge and are the most sensible means to assure proper oral health. Early diagnosis and treatment in many cases can help to avoid more extensive treatment in the future years after the jaw and face have developed. Multi-phase, early interceptive treatment is not always necessary but will be recommended when early treatment can benefit your child.

Adolescents

The adolescent years are the optimal time for orthodontic treatment for most people. We are able to utilize and alter growth of the jaws just enough to maximize the likelihood of creating an ideal occlusion. Teeth move faster the younger we are, and there tends to be less sensitivity associated with tooth movement in younger people.

A healthy smile is a confident smile, and we believe every child deserves the opportunity to smile with confidence. Orthodontic treatment can provide teenagers with the opportunity to feel good about themselves and smile with confidence.

Orthodontics is more than straight teeth. An overbite, underbite, a dysfunctional smile, a sunken or protruding chin can in many cases be corrected with orthodontic treatment. Proper tooth and jaw alignment are critical to achieving proper long-term oral health.

Adults

Today’s general public is typically very well informed, especially when it comes to proper health. What today’s adults may not know is that it is never too late to realize a perfect and healthy smile for themselves. Adult orthodontic treatment is becoming more and more popular every day. Advances in technology now provide for more discriminate treatment and quicker results.

We try to individualize a treatment plan based on an adult patient’s chief concerns, dental history, and willingness to participate in a different treatment.

As we age, misalignment of the teeth is very common, even if you have had braces earlier in life. Oftentimes simple therapy is the answer to gaining or regaining a perfect and healthy smile.

With fewer office visits, and the availability of aesthetic braces or clear Invisalign aligners, all adults should have the perfect smile. Teeth provide the support structure for the soft tissue of the lower face, including lips, cheeks, and marionette lines. By repositioning the teeth and jaw, skin can appear tighter and lips can appear fuller. We can often achieve greater facial aesthetics without surgery or the extraction of teeth by creating a treatment plan utilizing low-friction appliances that can expand the dental arch and reposition teeth and gums.