Orthodontics is a specialised form of dentistry focusing on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

An orthodontist straightens your teeth, corrects misaligned jaw structure and improves your smile. To do so, the orthodontist undergoes 3 years of specialised training after their Bachelors Program in Dentistry.

An Orthodontist can work on your smile at any time but it is best to start early. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child be seen by an orthodontist around the age of 7.

This allows your orthodontist to determine the need for and the best time to start treatment. Early evaluation ensures timely detection of problems and a better opportunity for a more effective treatment plan. While it is best to start early, orthodontic treatment can be beneficial at any age. Adults find significant accomplishments can be attained because the drive and cooperation of adult patients provide a good foundation for successful orthodontic treatment.

Benefits of early orthodontic treatment:

• Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
• Improving facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Preserving space for non-erupted teeth
• Minimizing treatment time with braces
• Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
• Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
• Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems

When to see an orthodontist:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• A hard time chewing or biting food
• Mouth breathing
• Finger or thumb sucking
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
• Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
• Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
• Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.

Teenage years are a unique period of growth marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. This is when they develop an increased awareness of themselves and their appearance. Building their self-confidence while balancing individuality with trying to fit in, quite often takes up a considerable part of your teen's life. Positive self-esteem will help your teen to be successful in education, achieving future goals and in social skills.

Protruding, misaligned and crooked teeth make them feel self conscious and affect their confidence levels. Orthodontic intervention will help ensure that your teen has one less issue to deal with growing up. Typical ages for orthodontic treatment is between 12-16 years. Bone and jaw structures are sufficiently developed for treatment to begin. Some of the teens might have started Early phase treatment and are now ready for full braces or other relevant orthodontic treatment.

According to American Association of Orthodontists, 1 in 5 people seeking orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21. Orthodontic problems in adults range from minor crowding or spacing of teeth to very complex problems involving repair and replacement of missing teeth and treatment to correct anomalies of facial growth and severe dental disease. Most types of braces are suitable for adults though it is important to choose the right method to achieve the desired results (bearing patient’s comfort and lifestyle in mind).

With recent orthodontic innovations, many modern braces are designed specifically for adults to minimize discomfort while maintaining the best possible appearance concerns.

Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.