What is the appropriate age to start orthodontic treatment?

Dr. Woods recommends that children first see an orthodontist as early as age nine, and even earlier if a parent or the family dentist discovers a problem. The timing of orthodontic treatment is extremely important and greatly affects the treatment options and result.

While people tend to associate orthodontics with children, more than 20 % of our orthodontic patients are adults. Today, less noticeable braces have contributed to an increase in the popularity of orthodontic treatment. Also, new techniques and materials allow for extended intervals between appointments to make treatment more convenient than ever.

Whatever the age of the patient, our goal is to provide the best and most stable results possible, while minimizing treatment time in braces. Both children and adults can fully appreciate the return on an orthodontic investment – a great smile, improved self confidence and better dental health.

Why is orthodontic treatment so important?

Healthy Smile: Crooked and crowded teeth are difficult to maintain and clean, leading to such problems as tooth decay and gum disease. A bad bite can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces and difficulty in chewing and speaking.

Beautiful Smile: If you are not confident, in the way you look, your self-esteem may suffer. A beautiful smile enhances ones appearance and confidence. Without treatment, problems may worsen, providing to be more costly and serious in the future.

What does Orthodontic Treatment involve?

Most of all, treatment involves you.

To achieve our desired results, you need to diligently follow our instructions for wearing orthodontic appliances and practicing good dental hygiene. The Doctor will provide you with braces, retainers or other corrective appliances which use gentle pressure to move your teeth and jaws into their proper positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Each case is different, but patients generally wear braces from one to three years. Your treatment time will depend upon the severity of your problem and how well you follow our instructions.

Once braces are removed, most patients will wear retainers for some years to keep their teeth in their new positions. The orthodontist will determine how long your retainers need to be worn.

What is the cost of orthodontic treatment?

Your orthodontic treatment should be an affordable investment. The actual cost will depend upon various factors, including the complexity and severity of your problem and the required length of your treatment.

More information can be found at the Australian Society of Orthodontists.