Tel:9582 7588
For Children
The AAO and the ASO recommend that children first see an orthodontist at seven years of age. This usually coincides with the eruption of the child’s first permanent teeth.
Early assessment by an orthodontist does not necessarily mean that orthodontic treatment needs to begin so soon, but it does allow certain key problems to be detected early in some children so that the best time to address these problems can be planned.
Some of the benefits of early “interceptive treatment” include:
- Reduce or eliminate the need to extract permanent teeth
- Reduce or eliminate the need for future jaw surgery
- Lower the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve the smile/self confidence
- Influence growth of the jaws in a positive manner
- Improve the width of the dental arches
- Simplify and shorten treatment time for full braces
- Increase the stability of final treatment results
- Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Guide permanent teeth into more favourable positions
- Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth
- Reduce potential for damage to jaw joints
For Teenagers
On average, most patients are ready to have full braces by age 12 - which is why we see lots of teenagers in braces!
The adolescent period is also the time of dramatic changes as the child begins the transition into adulthood. This growth period allows the orthodontist to guide both teeth and jaws efficiently to achieve the best possible result.
Are the early teen years the best time to get braces to straighten teeth?
For most it is – all your peers are in the process of achieving a great-looking smile, and it’s just not nice to be left behind especially when they eventually start moving out of braces. And remember the sooner you have braces, the sooner you can get them off - and start enjoying your new smile!
Don’t under-estimate the impact of a beautiful smile on boosting one's self-esteem and confidence.
For Adults
You might be surprised to know that in recent years more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment than ever before. In fact one in five orthodontic patients is an adult.
We now know that orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. However, there are some differences with adult treatment. One is that adults are not actively growing and secondly, more attention needs to be paid towards their periodontal health.
Many of our adults want to finally do something for themselves. They find that the change in their appearance has enhanced both their self confidence and self-esteem.
The new techniques and materials we use have greatly reduced the discomfort level, decreased the frequency of visits, shortened treatment times and have become more unobtrusive.
We can utilise tooth-coloured ceramic braces as well as Invisalign® in appropriate cases.