Whether you are 7, 27 or 47 …

At age 7

Braces are rarely needed, however, many minor things can be done to simplify future treatments or even eliminate the need for full braces later.  Crowding and other problems can be evaluated.  Dr. Copeland can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth.  Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems.

At age 27

Many young adults choose to investigate orthodontic treatment that may not have been available to them when they were younger.  Orthodontic treatment of a young adult can help minimize eventual bone loss and periodontal disease caused by crowding.  Since skeletal growth is complete, there are some limitations to adult treatment, however, results of treatment can be very similar to that of an adolescent.  Many people believe that treatment at this age will take much longer and be much more expensive.  This is not necessarily true.

We have found that the cooperation from young adults, who are often paying for their own treatment, more than offsets the slightly slower tooth movement in adult treatment.

At age 47

We often see a parent bring in their child for treatment having long since given up on the idea of braces for themselves.  However, one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21.

With tooth-colored braces, many adults are considering orthodontics.  As long as your dentist feels that your gums are healthy enough, there really isn't an age limit.  Straightening crowded teeth can make it easier to keep them clean and minimize some periodontal problems or gum disease.  Some adults choose to have partial treatment to correct a cosmetic issue like closing a space or correcting some minor crowding.  Oftentimes, these limited procedures can be accomplished in six to ten months.  Your dentist may also want you to have limited orthodontic treatment to prepare surrounding teeth for caps, a permanent bridge or an implant.

Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment.  Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.