Treatments

Early Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the first visit to the orthodontic office should be done before age 7. At this time the first molars have grown out and a posterior occlusal relationship has occurred. On many occasions treatment is not necessary at this time, but in other cases an intervention needs to be done to avoid problems that will be difficult to correct in a posterior stage.

An early treatment gives the orthodontist the opportunity to:

• Redirect the growth of the jaws.
• Maintain or gain space for the permanent teeth to grown out correctly.
• Reduce the risk of impacted teeth.
• Coordinate the width of the dental arches.
• Reduce the risk of trauma in protruded teeth.
• Correct harmful oral habits.
• Improve the esthetics and the self-steam.

Adolescent Treatment

Usually, the best time to have orthodontic treatment is between ages 11 and 15. There are several reasons for this

• Around age 12 most of the permanent teeth have grown out which allows the correction of all the tooth malpositions.
• The orthodontist can take advantage of the growth spurt that occurs during this time to position the jaws and teeth correctly.
• The typical metabolism of adolescents can help reduce treatment time and patient discomfort.
• It is very common to see adolescents with braces so many negative associations of braces are not present. In fact it’s very common that children this age gladly accept orthodontic treatment because they see their friends with braces and want to fit in.

Adult Treatment

More and more adults today are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. Around 25% of orthodontic patients are adults. This increase is due to the esthetic requirements of modern society and the adult oriented treatment alternatives that can be found today.

Contrary to what many people think, there is no risk in adult orthodontic treatment. The process which allows teeth to move can occur in any period of life, so basically there is no age limit to improve the smile.

Along with esthetic changes, adult treatment can produce significant functional and periodontal benefits that can decrease the occurrence of tooth wear, bone loss, tooth decay and TMD’s.

Appliances

Metal Brackets: Metal Brackets are made of high-grade stainless steel and are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. They’re small, effective and comfortable. To engage the wires colored elastomeric modules can be used and the patient can feel free to choose his favorite color. Metal Brackets are ideal for children and adolescents.

Esthetic Brackets: These brackets are made with porcelain that resembles the color of the teeth. They are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. These types of brackets are an excellent choice for adult treatment.

Invisalign: This system consists in a series of invisible aligners that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move teeth. Invisalign eliminates the need to bond brackets.