About Orthodontics
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and Dr. Nelson has treated hundreds of adults, from young adults in their twenties to several as old as 70! If the bone support is good and the gum is healthy, the teeth can be moved. Some adults may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Because many adults are missing teeth and do not have growing jaws, careful and thoughtful treatment planning is necessary to achieve excellent results.
Orthodontics for Kids
It’s best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and if it is the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist 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 the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, eliminate abnormal swallowing, and speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.