Most people think of teens getting braces when we talk about orthodontic treatment. However orthodontic treatment is for patients of all ages. Our team at Seton Smiles Orthodontics acknowledges that children, teens and adults have different needs and everyone deserves a beautiful smile. We are proud to offer orthodontic treatments for all ages.

Orthodontics for Children

There is no minimum age for your child to visit the orthodontist, however it is recommended that your child receives their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By this age, most children have a mix of both primary teeth and permanent teeth, making it easier for our experienced orthodontists to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems early. This lessens the chance of them becoming more severe and requiring more serious treatment later on down the line, which could include surgery or extraction. With early or interceptive treatment at Seton Smiles, we can:

• Correct and guide jaw development
• Regulate the width of upper and lower arches
• Correct habits like thumb or finger sucking
• Help improve speech or bite problems

Orthodontics for Teens

The adolescent years are a prime time for corrective treatment on the permanent teeth. By the age of thirteen, almost everyone has all of their permanent teeth erupted, and a clear picture of an orthodontic situation has developed.

We see a lot of teenagers who are anxious about having to wear bulky uncomfortable braces to straighten their teeth. But there is no need to worry. Those are a thing of the past. Today’s braces are smaller, way more comfortable and come in a variety of styles, colours and materials. We also have the option of Invisalign for teens, with the most important benefit being that they are virtually invisible. Your teen can wear Invisalign aligners all day and most people won’t even notice.

Orthodontics for Adults

Why do adults seek orthodontic treatment? One of the most common reasons for adults to seek orthodontic treatment is to improve their smile for aesthetic reasons. For many adults, improving their smile boosts their confidence. Regardless of your age, you can benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Adults often require orthodontic treatment for these issues:

• Gum disease (caused by crowded or uneven teeth that are difficult to clean)
• Worn or chipped teeth from misaligned bite
• Jaw pain
• Retreatment of orthodontic treatment from earlier in life (i.e. if you stopped wearing your retainer)

You will be surprised to know there are plenty of options for orthodontic treatment for adults. During your initial consultation, we will do a thorough examination and discuss your personal situation with you. We recognize that adults have different needs from children and adolescents, and require a different level of attention and care. At Seton Smiles, we offer braces as well as Invisalign treatments for adults. It’s never too late to get a healthy straight smile!