When To Start

COMMON ORTHODONTIC ISSUES

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SOMETHING JUST “NOT QUITE RIGHT” WITH YOUR OR YOUR CHILD’S SMILE?

If you feel something is just “not quite right” with your or your child’s smile but don’t know the correct words to describe it, check out our common issues below. Here you will find information on the most common orthodontic problems that we see on a daily basis, plus learn more about the negative effects they can have on one’s smile, bite, and confidence.

VIEW COMMONS ISSUES

ORTHODONTICS FOR CHILDREN (AGES 7–10)

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should have an orthodontic screening by the age of 7. At this age, jaw growth and the positions of erupting teeth can be evaluated. While comprehensive orthodontic treatment usually begins during adolescence with all or most of the adult teeth present, some problems need to be corrected at an earlier age. We call this early orthodontic or a “Phase 1” treatment. It is NOT recommended to wait until all the adult teeth are present before seeing an orthodontist.

If any of the items in the list below apply to your child or if his/her teeth look similar to any of the photos listed on our Common Orthodontic Issues webpage, please contact our office to
schedule your free consultation:

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty in chewing or biting
Mouth breathing
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Speech difficulties
Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
Facial imbalance
Grinding or clenching of the teeth
Guide jaw growth
Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
Correct harmful oral habits
Guide permanent teeth into a more favourable position
Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips, and face

More information on how we treat these conditions can be found here. Most of the time,
however, early orthodontic treatment is not required and we recommend monitoring for growth
and development. This way, we can identify the right time to initiate comprehensive orthodontic
treatment since every child is different. If your child does not require early treatment, it would
be our pleasure to monitor your child’s development, free of charge, in our 7&UP Club

TREATMENT FOR ADOLESCENTS (AGES 11–17)

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment usually begins once all the adult teeth have come into the mouth or are just about there. This is the ideal time to straighten teeth and fix bites since jaw growth can be enhanced or controlled. Crooked teeth should be aligned to allow easier access for cleaning. A “bad bite” can also be harmful since it can lead to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and/or speaking, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue.

Historically, braces were used on almost every teenager orthodontic case and if there was an overbite, the headgear appliance was utilized or extractions were recommended. Nowadays we have many more options. Most of our teenagers prefer to have fewer lifestyle restrictions and choose Invisalign. Others who prefer the peace of mind of having something always affixed to the teeth and working choose braces. With advancements in technology we also now offer Lightforce custom braces for a truly bespoke smile.

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FOR ADULTS (AGES 18+)

There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment as most people can benefit from ideal tooth alignment! In fact, 30-40% of the orthodontic patients in our office are over the age of 18. We have treated patients in their 70’s and 80’s who wanted to improve the alignment of their teeth.

Depending on your goals, there is a wide range of options available to you. Did you have treatment when you were a teenager and stopped wearing your retainer? Unfortunately, this is an extremely common situation we encounter. Sometimes we can do a relatively quick fix and just straighten the front teeth. We call this limited treatment.

For others, did you wish you had treatment when you were younger but never had the opportunity? Well, there is no time like the present. We can drastically transform your smile using Invisalign® or clear braces! Aside from straightening your teeth we can work on your bite and improve how everything functions overall. As well, sometimes your dentist wants us to align your teeth in preparation for cosmetic work like veneers, crowns, or implants.

If your facial profile is a concern and you’re looking for a drastic change in the shape of your face, you may want to consider jaw surgery. Dr. Walt had jaw surgery himself and would be more than happy to discuss the process with you at your consultation. Bottom line — it’s never too late to get the bespoke smile you’ve always wanted.

Ready for some

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If you have been wanting your bespoke, dream smile, our team at Walt Orthodontics is happy to help you achieve that. Book your complimentary consultation!

Orthodontic issues are common dental concerns that affect the alignment of teeth and the overall function of the bite. Among the most prevalent are crooked or crowded teeth, which occur when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for teeth to grow in properly, leading to overlapping or twisting. Overbites, where the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth, and underbites, where the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth, are also frequent issues that can impact both appearance and oral health. Crossbites, which happen when some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth rather than on the outside, can lead to uneven wear and potential jaw problems. Another common condition is an open bite, where the front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed, often caused by habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting. Misalignment issues can cause difficulties in chewing, speaking, and maintaining proper oral hygiene, which may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even chronic pain in the jaw or head. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or clear aligners, are typically recommended to correct these issues, improving both the function and appearance of the teeth. Early diagnosis and intervention can be crucial in preventing more severe complications, making regular dental check-ups essential for maintaining optimal oral health.

When considering orthodontic treatment, one of the most common questions parents ask is, “When should my child see an orthodontist?” At Walt Orthodontics, we recommend that children have their first orthodontic checkup around the age of 7. By this time, several adult teeth have likely erupted, allowing us to identify potential issues such as crowding, misalignment, or bite problems.

Early intervention can be crucial in guiding proper jaw growth, preventing more serious complications in the future. At Walt Orthodontics, our philosophy is not to rush treatment, but rather to monitor your child’s development and begin treatment at the optimal time. Some children may not need braces or other orthodontic treatment until their early teens, while others may benefit from early intervention that addresses bite problems or jaw development.

Early treatment can often make future orthodontic care easier, less invasive, and more effective. In some cases, starting at a younger age can shorten the duration of treatment during the teenage years. We emphasize individualized treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique dental and facial growth patterns. Our team is dedicated to making the orthodontic experience as smooth as possible by ensuring that we catch potential problems before they worsen. At Walt Orthodontics, we use state-of-the-art technology, including digital imaging and 3D scanning, to assess your child’s orthodontic needs accurately.

These tools allow us to create a treatment plan that is precise and personalized, ensuring the best possible outcome. Our friendly, knowledgeable team takes the time to explain the process, so both parents and children understand what to expect. Whether your child requires early treatment or is best served by monitoring growth until later, Walt Orthodontics provides expert care at every step.

For parents wondering when to start, rest assured that an early consultation doesn’t necessarily mean immediate treatment—it’s about preparing for the future and ensuring your child’s smile develops in the healthiest way possible. Contact Walt Orthodontics today to schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation and take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile.