
Many people know what a dentist is and how important they are for keeping our teeth healthy. However, not everyone is familiar with orthodontists and when it might be best to seek their help. In this blog, we will share with you the best age to get braces in Charlotte and when you should seek orthodontic help.
But first, let’s dig a little deeper into what an orthodontist is and what they do.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. This includes helping to align teeth and jaws that are not in their proper position.
Orthodontists use a variety of devices, such as braces, retainers, and headgear, to correct these problems. They usually complete an additional two to three years of education after dental school to be able to provide this specialized care.
They have also undergone residency training in an accredited orthodontic program. So, you can trust that they know what they are doing. An orthodontist will be able to tell when is the best age to get braces.
What are the Benefits of Going to an Orthodontist aside from Just a Regular Dentist?
The main benefit of going to an orthodontist is that they can treat a wide variety of dental and facial irregularities. This includes anything from overbites and underbites to crooked teeth and gaps in between teeth.
Orthodontists also have the necessary training and experience to properly fit braces and other devices. They will also be able to provide you with the best care possible to ensure that your problem is corrected in the most efficient way possible. They’ll be able to tell the best age to get braces.
As a matter of fact, the number of Americans suffering from malocclusion, which is the misalignment of teeth, has increased over the years. Despite this, many people still think orthodontic treatment is not necessary and is only purely aesthetic.
The truth is, a person with malocclusion is more likely to experience gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems. This is because it is harder to properly clean teeth that are not in their proper position. As a result, bacteria and plaque build-up can occur, which can lead to other dental problems. You need to know when the best age to get braces is while issues are still mild and can be prevented.
When is the Best Age to Get Braces?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a child needs to see an orthodontist by the age of seven. This is because, by this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which makes it easier for an orthodontist to spot any potential problems.
However, this does not mean that you should automatically get braces as soon as your child turns seven. In some cases, it may be best to wait until a few more teeth have come in or until your child’s jaw has grown more.
So, the best answer to the question, “When is the best age to get braces?” is when an orthodontist recommends treatment based on an examination. There are many types of orthodontic problems that a child can have, so it is best to consult with an expert to see what will work best for your child.
Also, braces and other orthodontic treatments work best as a preventive measure instead of a cure. When a child gets treatment the earliest age possible, then you are saving them from a long-time of wearing braces when the problem is worse. Interceptive treatment for kids works best when their permanent teeth are only beginning to come out, so bring them to the orthodontist then.
What are the Different Types of Orthodontic Devices?
There are many different types of orthodontic devices that an orthodontist can use to correct irregularities when it’s a patient’s best age to get braces. These include:
Traditional Metal Braces
These are the most common type of braces. They are made of high-grade stainless steel and are bonded to the front of the teeth. They use brackets and arch wires to move the teeth into their proper position. Every four to six weeks, the arch wires are adjusted to help move the teeth.
Radiance Plus Cosmetic Braces
These are clear braces that use brackets and arch wires to move the teeth. They are made of a clear ceramic material that is less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Radiance Plus braces are a good choice for kids and adults who want to improve their smile without having to wear traditional metal braces.
Invisalign
This is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to move the teeth. They are virtually invisible and are a good choice for adults who want to improve their smile without wearing traditional metal braces.
Invisalign offers special versions for kids and teens called Invisalign First and Invisalign Teen. These are designed to meet the unique needs of kids and teens.
Best Orthodontist for Kids, Teens, and Adults in Charlotte, NC
The best age to get braces is when your orthodontist recommends treatment. But to be able to receive the best treatment possible, you need to carefully choose the orthodontist for you and your family. Webb & Goldsmith Orthodontics in Charlotte, North Carolina has been delivering quality care to patients of all ages for many years.
Our experienced and caring team of doctors and orthodontic staff offers a wide range of orthodontic treatments to meet the needs of every patient. We offer traditional metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and much more. With our orthodontic expertise, we can be able to tell when is the best age to get braces for our patients.
No matter what your orthodontic needs are, Webb & Goldsmith Orthodontics can help. Our office is located at 2915 Coltsgate Rd Suite 102, Charlotte, NC. The best thing you can do is schedule a consultation with our experienced orthodontists to see how we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact us today or visit our website for more information!