Orthodontics for Children
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit around age seven. By this age, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, allowing the orthodontist to diagnose and correct developing jaw or tooth alignment problems early—often before they become more serious or require surgery.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:
- Guide and correct the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straighter
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Eliminate thumb-sucking habits and improve minor speech problems
Signs your child may need an evaluation with an orthodontist:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger- or thumb-sucking habits
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Popping or clicking of jaws when opening and/or closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth by age seven or eight
Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment, but it ensures that your child’s smile develops in the healthiest way possible. Contact our office to schedule an orthodontic checkup for your child. Early care today can lead to a lifetime of confident smiles.
Orthodontics for Teens
Braces, retainers, and everything in between!
Hearing the words “You need braces!” can sound intimidating—but don’t worry! Today’s orthodontic treatment is more comfortable, efficient, and stylish than ever before. From traditional braces to clear aligners, there’s an option that fits every teen’s lifestyle.
How long will I have to wear braces?
Treatment time varies from person to person, but a few key factors influence how long it takes:
- Early treatment — Some patients benefit from early orthodontic care to guide jaw growth and tooth position, while others start treatment later.
- What needs correction — The complexity of the bite or alignment issue affects treatment length. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect. While it may take one patient only 12 months to complete treatment, it may take another patient 24 months.
- YOU! — Following your orthodontist’s instructions, wearing appliances as directed, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and keeping appointments all help shorten treatment time and improve results.
Braces Your Way!
At Double T Smiles, we offer several types of orthodontic appliances so teens can choose the style that fits them best:
- Traditional metal braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Ceramic braces
- Clear aligners
Braces and aligners are a big part of life for many teens—but they don’t have to get in the way of your confidence or activities. Our team makes treatment easy, comfortable, and even fun! Contact us to schedule your next orthodontic visit.
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids and teens — it’s for anyone who wants a healthier, more confident smile. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21.
Many adults choose orthodontic care to:
- Correct bite problems and misalignment
- Reduce crowding or spacing
- Relieve jaw pain or pressure from uneven, crooked teeth
- Enhance appearance and confidence
- Improve overall oral health and function
Treatment options for adults
Modern orthodontics offers a variety of discreet, comfortable options to fit your lifestyle:
- Clear aligners
- Clear or ceramic braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Traditional metal braces
How adult orthodontic treatment differs:
Adults’ jawbones are fully developed, so growth modification of the jawbones is not possible. In some complex cases, orthognathic surgery may be recommended to align the jaws properly. Other differences include:
- Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gum or periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
- Worn or missing teeth — Over time, teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.
- Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.
At Double T Smiles, we recognize that adults and children have different needs. Our team ensures that every patient no matter the age receives personalized care, respect, and attention throughout their treatment journey.
Why should you consider orthodontic treatment?
- Straight teeth are healthy teeth — Proper alignment makes brushing and flossing easier, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- A beautiful, straight smile builds confidence — Orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-esteem, giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without holding back!
- Mouths left untreated can get worse — Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it's needed can create long-term health issues, costing you more in the end.
Ready to start your smile journey? Contact us today to schedule your orthodontic consultation. We’ll work with your schedule to make every visit convenient and stress-free.