Adolescent Treatment
When undergoing orthodontic treatment, the ages of 11 and 15 is the most common time for adolescent treatment. By age 12, most if not all of the permanent teeth have erupted into position. Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, spaces between teeth and bad bites can easily be detected at this time. Once the permanent teeth are erupted, these abnormalities will normally not correct themselves. This is when most parents decide to seek orthodontic treatment for their children.
During this time, it is also easier on an emotional level for adolescents to undergo orthodontic at the same time as the majority of their friends. They fit in better and are not as self conscious as teenagers undergoing treatment after most of their friends already are sporting beautiful healthy smiles.
Additionally, patients at this age have high metabolisms which can help shorten overall orthodontic treatment time and reduce the discomfort during orthodontic treatment.
A Team Effort
The end result is only as good as the amount of time and effort each patient contributes to following instructions. For successful orthodontic results in your child, follow up at home to ensure kids are observing cleaning instructions, staying away from foods that bend wires or loosen brackets, and wearing their rubber bands if indicated. Creating a beautiful healthy smile is a combined effort on our part as well as that of the patient.
Contact our office for a complimentary initial examination to determine the best time to begin orthodontic treatment. The orthodontists at Cedarbrae and Danforth Orthodontic Centres will help you choose the correct treatment plan, explain how much time it will take, and the approximate cost for the orthodontic treatment start to finish.
A beautiful healthy smile is one of the best gifts you can give your child. It builds self esteem and confidence that will last a lifetime!