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Orthodontic treatment is more than just a smile

Dubai - All children should have a check up with an orthodontist no later than age 7

It is not just about looks. Well-aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain and less subject to abnormal wear. A better bite keeps you from having trouble eating and speaking and helps your teeth stay healthy - and healthy teeth can last a lifetime. If you have been thinking of orthodontic treatment for yourself, you may be wondering about the right time to see an orthodontist? Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at the right time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense.
Even though for most cases it is 'the sooner - the better,' that is not a general rule for all patients. The best age to start wearing braces will vary from patient to patient, but is very important that an initial orthodontic evaluation is done early, immediately after a possible problem is noticed. The American Association of Orthodontist (AAO) recommends that all children have a check up with an orthodontist no later than seventh year of age, for early detection of any potential problems.
The child's teeth may appear straight, but there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect, like whether or not there will be adequate room in the mouth to accommodate the permanent teeth. By age seven, some of the permanent teeth may have erupted, and most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth. At this stage of mixed dentition, an orthodontist can spot potential orthodontic problem related to jaw growth and eruption of adult teeth. Some growth related orthodontic problems are easier to correct when they are identified early, while the facial bones are still growing.
In the past, orthodontic treatment was common only during adolescent or teenage years, when all permanent teeth had erupted. Until some years ago, it was unusual to start orthodontic treatment at age of seven or after 20's. But today, because of changing trends and greater awareness, you can meet patients of wide range of ages in an orthodontist's waiting room.
People think orthodontics as just for kids. It's time to think again. In fact, according to AAO, around one in five orthodontic patients today are adults.
Adult orthodontics offer the opportunity of a better smile, to all those who could not get treatment in their teenage years. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and in older patients, compliance is usually not an issue. Plus with the advanced technology and growing availability of clear aligners, translucent ceramic braces, lingual braces (on the inner side of the teeth), it's getting harder to tell whether or not you are wearing braces. So if adults worry that metal braces might clash with their professional image, be sure to ask your orthodontist about less visible alternatives.
If you clench or grind your teeth, your jaws seem to frequently shift in position or make sounds (clicking) as they move, you are unintentionally biting your cheek, or you have certain speech defects (lisping), you need to see an orthodontist.
Ultimately, orthodontists do much more than creating a beautiful smile - they create a healthier confident you.
Dr Sumit Gupta
Specialist Orthodontist
Armada Medical Centre
JLT, Dubai