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On average, the most common time for orthodontic treatment is during your teenage years, especially between the age of 11-15. The reason being is that by age 11, the vast majority of people will already have most of their permanent teeth. It's also easier to detect possible issues such as crooked teeth, bad bites or potential gaps at this young age. But that doesn't mean you can't opt for braces as an adult. In fact, more and more people of all ages are now opting for orthodontic treatment thanks to improvements made in dental techniques, technology and affordability. 

Orthodontics Explained

So what exactly does orthodontic treatment mean? Orthodontics focuses on the correction of teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly can often be at higher risk of being lost earlier in life 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 and aesthetically pleasing smile.

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.

If you'd like to book your initial consultation with our orthodontic specialist, Dr. Jim Griffin, you can do so using our handy patient portal!