Where Hoover Smiles

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, age seven is the right age for an initial orthodontic evaluation. At this point, your child has a mixture of permanent and baby teeth, so the orthodontist can assess the development of the teeth placement and identify potential issues, like crowding, over or under-bite, or misalignment, early enough for your child to benefit from early intervention. Although not every child will require treatment at age 7, this does provide us with insight for a treatment plan once more permanent teeth have come in.

Some signs your child may need braces include persistent thumb or finger sucking or problems chewing or biting, which can indicate misalignment. Or, if you notice teeth overlapping one another, that may indicate crowding. You may also notice that your child has an overbite or an underbite, which means they should see an orthodontist. You may notice that your child’s teeth don’t properly meet when they close their mouth, or even more serious problems, like one or more teeth that are pushed behind others.

The length of time that orthodontic braces treatment can take depends on the severity of the dental issues we need to address. We generally see a range of about 18 months to three years, depending on your age, the type of braces we use, and of course how complicated the needs we must address are. We note that children and teens tend to have a shorter time for braces, while adults may take longer for a similar issue. How well you maintain regular tightening appointments and consistency with rubber bands and retainers may also influence your treatment time.

Usually, we recommend fitting a retainer once the braces or Invisalign come off, to maintain the new position of your teeth. This prevents them from shifting back to their old alignment and maintains your healthy new smile. We develop a personal aftercare plan for you, including regular orthodontic checkups, to assess your gums and teeth. We also recommend that you maintain regular dental checkups and professional cleanings, as well as consistent brushing and flossing habits. The better you care for your new smile and follow your orthodontist’s instructions for care, the longer your results will last.

Traditional braces involve a network of metal brackets adhered to each tooth connected by fine wires. The continuous pressure of the wires on the teeth gradually shifts them into a new alignment. Your orthodontist may tighten the brackets periodically, according to your treatment plan, to keep guiding your teeth into better alignment. Clean aligners, like the popular Invisalign, consist of removeable plastic trays custom-molded to your mouth and fitting over the teeth. These are a more discreet option, and can be more comfortable and easier to clean, but may not be ideal for patients with more complex dental concerns. You also must be consistent with wearing the clear aligners, typically 20-22 hours per day.