What Does Correcting Your Smile Entail?
Children seven years and older, typically have a combination of primary teeth and permanent teeth. This makes it easier to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw issues early on, without requiring surgery. Early treatment allows for:
- Correct and guide the growth of a child’s jaw, which encourages the permanent teeth to grow in straight
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Reduce the need for future tooth extractions
- Correct thumb-sucking and improve minor speech problems
*not certified as a specialist.
Determining if a child requires orthodontic treatment is not always easy. Parents should look for the following indicators:
- Early or late primary tooth loss
- Chewing or biting difficulties
- The child breaths through their mouth
- The child has a habit of thumb-sucking
- The child has teeth that are crowded, misplaced, or blocked
- The child’s jaw pops when they open and close their mouth
- The child’s teeth come together abnormally or do not come together at all
- The child’s teeth and jaws are not proportionate to the rest of their face
- The child has crowded front teeth and is 7 to 8 years old
*not certified as a specialist.
Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
Orthodontic treatment in Livonia, MI 48152 can also benefit adults, in fact, one in five orthodontic patients is 21 years old or more. Many adults receive orthodontic treatment near you because they understand the importance of good oral health. The following are four top reasons why adults consider orthodontic treatment near you:
- To correct a malocclusion
- To realign teeth that are crowded or spaced apart
- To relieve abnormal pain or pressure in the jaw caused by crooked teeth
- To improve their smile and gain confidence
*not certified as a specialist.
Treatment Options for Adults
For some adults, the thought of braces sounds unappealing. Today, there are a variety of treatment options available that offer flexibility, comfort, aesthetics, and are customized to meet a patient’s needs. Types of braces include:
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Clear braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Lingual braces
- Invisible braces
*not certified as a specialist.
Adult Orthodontics Versus Child Orthodontics
The differences between adult and child orthodontics in Livonia, MI 48152 are minimal. These include:
- Jawbone Development: unlike children and teenagers, an adults jawbone is completely developed, which may mean there is a possibility of orthognathic surgery.
- Periodontal Disease: adults are at greater risk for developing gum recession or bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease.
- Missing Teeth or Wear and Tear: missing teeth or teeth that are worn down can shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care.
- Incomplete Orthodontic Treatment: adults who have not completed their orthodontic treatment in the past but are wishing to improve their oral health and smile.
*not certified as a specialist.