Dallas Moms Blog has partnered with Dr. George Orthodontics–one of our awesome Easter Egg Hunt Sponsors–to bring you this sponsored post. While we do not consider ourselves experts, they are and wanted to share this helpful information with you!
The question arises for every parent at some point — how do we know when it’s time to see an orthodontist? Do you wait and let your dentist refer you? Do you take steps on your own? And these questions don’t just have to be about your children! Many adults look into the mirror and ask the same questions about themselves.
When it comes to children, the American Association of Orthodontist (AAO) recommends your first check up by age 7.
Why? This is the age the first of your adult teeth have erupted and subtle problems with jaw growth or emerging teeth can be detected. If problems such as crossbites, underbites, or severe crowding are detected, interceptive treatment can be started to fix these problems.
For children and adolescents, orthodontics is usually done in either one or two phases. If a jaw or tooth eruption problem is detected at a young age, an early phase of treatment is usually done around the ages of 7-9 years old. This is usually followed up by a second phase of treatment once all the baby teeth are lost (around 12-14 years old). If an early phase of treatment is not needed, treatment is usually delivered in one phase beginning around the age of 12-14 years old.
If you are an adult who never had orthodontic treatment or whose teeth have relapsed from not wearing your retainer, it is never too late to have orthodontic treatment. There are many different options to straighten your teeth as an adult that range from traditional metal braces to clear braces to Invisalign.
Invisalign can straighten your teeth through a series of virtually invisible plastic aligners. It is a great option for adults who want the convenience and flexibility to straighten their teeth without having to feel self-conscious about how they look.
You may ask, “Why should I see a specialized dentist rather than my family dentist?” Orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to straighten teeth.
Dr. George and Dr. Fleming are both board certified orthodontists who can help you decide the right decision for you and your family. Come visit us at www.georgeortho.com for your complimentary consult or give us a call today at 972-530-6703.
We can’t wait to make you smile!
Do you have any questions about orthodontics?
Leave a comment and we’ll get them answered!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored and written by Dr. George Orthodontics. Dallas Moms Blog is not an expert in orthodontics; however, we can endorse the expert opinion of this great family practice.
