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The most common time to improve your smile with braces is during your teenage years, specifically between the age of 11-15. The reason being is that by age 11, the most of us will already have most of our permanent teeth. It's also easier to detect possible issues such as crooked teeth, bad bites or potential gaps at this young age.

Another benefit of teenage orthodontics is that your body is growing at a rapid pace, meaning an orthodontist has a better chance of taking advantage of these growth spurts in order to help improve your overall bite. Your increased metabolism during this age also means that treatment time is far shorter than what it is as an adult as well as decreasing any sensation of discomfort. We have a wide range of orthodontic treatment available to your teenager - including traditional braces, see-through braces and Invisalign.

However, that's not to say you can't get braces as an adult. In fact, a growing number of adults well into their 60s are now seeking out orthodontic treatment. Thanks in part to advancements made in dental techniques and technology, it's now quicker to get the smile you've always wanted in the most discreet manner. 

So, what exactly is orthodontics?

Orthodontics focuses on the correction of teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are at higher risk of being lost early due to tooth decay, increased pressure on the jaw and periodontal disease. The benefits of orthodontic treatment mean that teeth are more likely to last a lifetime and make for a far healthier mouth.

Problems with teeth can be inherited or caused by factors such as:

• Crowded or spaced teeth
• Irregular position of teeth (ectopic teeth)
• Extra or missing teeth (hypodontia)
• Thumb sucking
• Dental disease such as decay or gum disease
• Premature loss of baby teeth
• Accidents or trauma.