Early Treatment and Adult Treatment
Early Treatment
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an ideal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the optimum result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic concerns or by the age of 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. If orthodontic intervention is not necessary, Dr. Peterson, along with your general dentist, can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
Adult Treatment
Braces aren't just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. A new smile can begin today.
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum disease and bone loss, tooth decay and abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces.
Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. You may have several treatment options.
A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it's never too late to improve their greatest asset - their smile.
