Orthodontics for All Ages

A common question we get before a free consultation is, “Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?” At Fresh Dental, we treat patients of all ages! As long as your teeth are healthy, it’s never too late to straighten them. Taking action at any age can help prevent oral health problems from developing in the future. That is why we have treatment plans no matter your age or situation. We can help you or your loved one achieve a smile that benefits dental health as much as it increases confidence.

Fresh Dental dentists have years of expertise in the treatment of specific needs corresponding to patients young and old, and it all starts with the first conversation. Coming in for a free consultation means we can advise you on your treatment options and give your kids a first orthodontic check-up, even if treatment isn’t needed.

As you consider treatment, check out the list below. You may be a good candidate if you suffer from:

• A bad bite or malocclusion
• Crowded teeth
• Gaps or spaces in between the teeth
• Abnormal jaw pain or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth

Perhaps you desire a healthier mouth and a more confident smile. Plenty of patients choose treatment for aesthetic reasons, but orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile and build confidence—it creates a healthier you. Research shows that your oral health affects your overall health. When you correct oral health, you are making a lasting investment in your overall health.

Orthodontic treatment offers huge benefits at every age. Take a look below to learn more about the types of orthodontic treatment available to you.   

Orthodontics for Children

While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting an orthodontist around age seven. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.

For parents, it’s not always easy to know if their child may need orthodontic treatment. Parents should consult with their pediatric dentist regularly, but there are several warning signs you can look for in your child that may be indicative of childhood orthodontic problems such as:

• Finger or thumb sucking
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Grinding teeth
• Teeth that come together abnormally
• Breathing through the mouth or snoring
• Biting of cheeks
• Apparent over- or underbite
• Difficulty chewing

For many of these cases and others not listed, early intervention may be a good solution.

Fresh Dental dentists are very conservative with early orthodontic treatment. Most kids will go on “observation,” which means we will see them every few months until they are ready to start treatment. We at Fresh Dental understand that no one wants to be in braces, or pay for braces, longer than needed!

Orthodontics for Teens

The adolescent years are a prime time for the corrective treatment of permanent teeth. By the age of thirteen, almost everyone has all of his or her permanent teeth, and a clear picture of an orthodontic situation has developed. This is the reason when you imagine someone with braces, you probably think of a teenager.

We get a lot of very excited teenagers–excited to beautify their smiles. But, as hard as we try, many teenagers dread the orthodontist. With heightened social anxiety, the last thing they want to do is wear fixtures on their teeth. The good news is there are more options in braces than ever before for teenagers needing orthodontic treatment. Braces today come in a wide variety of styles and colors, making life with braces much more comfortable and stylish than ever before. Even still, some teenagers are hesitant. For that reason, we often recommend Invisalign.

Invisalign has many great features, but perhaps the most important for teenagers is its virtual invisibility. You can wear it all day, and nobody will have the slightest idea that it’s there. And as a bonus, the trays are removable, so your teenager can eat the same foods as before!

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

Did you know that plenty of adults are choosing orthodontic treatment? The American Association of Orthodontists reports that 25% of orthodontic patients are over 21 years of age. In our practice, about 40% of our patients are adults!

Why do adults seek orthodontic treatment? Sometimes, parents choose to have treatment when they see how confident it makes their children. Often, adult patients seek treatment for aesthetic reasons. Other times, adult patients want to do what is best for their oral health based on their dentist’s referral, as many oral health problems only get worse over time. No matter the reason for seeking adult orthodontic treatment, we have a solution that can help you reach your orthodontic goals and get the smile you want.

Most adults deal with one or more of these issues:

• Gum disease (caused by crowded or uneven teeth that are difficult to clean)
• Shifting and tilting invited by open space from missing teeth
• Worn teeth from a misaligned bite
• Retreatment of orthodontic treatment from earlier in life (i.e. if you stopped wearing your retainer)

You may be surprised to know that there’s a wide variety of orthodontic options for adults. During your initial consultation, we will do a thorough examination and discuss your situation with you. Our practice recognizes that adults have different needs from children and adolescents, 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.

Everyone is welcome at Fresh Dental

At Fresh Dental, we strive to make our office comfortable for patients of all ages.  We are here to help you find the solution that best suits you and your needs and will make you feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire treatment with us.

Based across North Carolina, we provide treatment with Invisalign and braces to residents in surrounding cities, including Charlotte, Concord, Huntersville, Hickory, Gastonia, and Indian Trail. If you have questions or are looking for an orthodontics provider to help you and your family work toward better smiles, look no further.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn about the benefits of orthodontics at every age. We hope to see you soon!