The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this stage, a child typically has a combination of baby and permanent teeth, giving an orthodontist an opportunity to evaluate how the teeth and jaws are developing.
Most children do not need treatment immediately. In many cases, Dr. Yelizar will simply monitor growth and recommend treatment later if it becomes necessary.
When an orthodontic problem is already developing, however, early treatment may allow us to address it while your child’s jaws are still growing. Depending on the diagnosis, interceptive orthodontics may be used to create additional space, guide jaw development, address certain crossbites, or improve conditions for the permanent teeth as they erupt.
The teenage years are a common time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth have erupted while some jaw growth may still remain.
Treatment can address crooked or crowded teeth, unwanted spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and other alignment or bite concerns.
Teens also have more choices than ever when it comes to how their treatment looks. Depending on their orthodontic needs, options may include traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, clear aligners, or hidden orthodontics placed behind the teeth.
There is no age limit for improving the alignment of your teeth and bite. Many adults begin orthodontic treatment because they never had the opportunity when they were younger, their teeth shifted after previous treatment, or they are finally ready to address something that has bothered them for years.
Adult treatment requires consideration of fully developed jaws as well as the health of the teeth, gums, and supporting bone. Dr. Yelizar will evaluate these factors before recommending the appropriate approach.
Beyond Smiles offers several treatment options for adults who want to keep orthodontic treatment discreet, including clear ceramic braces, clear aligners, Brava, and C5 hidden orthodontics.
Some orthodontic problems involve differences in the size, position, or relationship of the jaws that cannot be fully corrected through tooth movement alone. For certain adult patients with significant skeletal discrepancies, orthodontic treatment may be coordinated with orthognathic jaw surgery.
These cases typically involve collaboration between the orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Orthodontic treatment may be used before surgery to position the teeth appropriately within each jaw, followed by surgery to correct the jaw relationship and additional orthodontic treatment to refine the final bite.
Surgery is not necessary for most orthodontic patients. Dr. Yelizar will evaluate whether your concern can be treated orthodontically or whether consultation with another specialist should be part of your treatment plan.
