When Should I Start Orthodontic Treatment?

The choice to begin orthodontic treatment is an individual one. In many cases, you as a parent must decide on your child’s behalf when treatment should begin. Dr. Seth Newman, an orthodontist serving Long Island, can help you determine the best time to begin treatment.

Beginning Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment traditionally begins during adolescence. However, some orthodontists prefer to begin treatment earlier, and some adults also choose orthodontics to correct their smile or to alleviate problems with their bite.

The best way to determine when orthodontic treatment should begin is to consult with your orthodontist. Depending upon the specific issues being addressed, an orthodontist might want to begin treatment right away or wait some time for other teeth to emerge. He might recommend braces or other approaches in order to provide the best results.

The orthodontist might wish to monitor the arrival of permanent teeth to be sure there is sufficient room, or to anticipate any potential problems with the bite. X-rays can also help determine the placement of permanent teeth that have not yet emerged. The orthodontist will also monitor how these teeth come in to ensure they emerge in the right place and are properly aligned.

Making Sure Orthodontic Treatment is Successful

It is important to be sure teeth are properly cared for during orthodontic treatment. Braces cover up part of the surface of the teeth, requiring additional cleaning and care to prevent tooth decay during treatment. You should also continue to visit the dentist regularly during treatment to evaluate your teeth for decay, ensure gums remain healthy, and for regular X-rays and other standard treatments.

The orthodontist will provide instructions on how to best care for your braces during your treatment. If wires break, or braces become detached from the teeth, it is important to consult the orthodontist immediately to have the wires or braces replaced. If wires or braces cause irritation to the cheeks, lips, or gums, your orthodontist can supply wax or other materials to cover the wires and prevent this discomfort. In general, the better you take care of your teeth and your braces, and the more closely you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, the more likely you will be to have a successful result.