What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?

Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

• creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
• creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
• reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• preserving space for unerupted teeth
• reducing the need for tooth removal
• reducing treatment time with braces.

Adult treatment

Teeth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches, and sometimes jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.

More than a quarter of our patients are adults, and they agree that it's never too late to improve their greatest asset - their smile.

Our patient, Miranda, opted for treatment to improve her bite and preserve her teeth.

Early Treatment

When is the best time to begin orthodontics?

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, Dr. Cucalon can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?

By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, Dr. Cucalon can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.