Why consult a doctor and at what age?

Why should I see an orthodontist for my child?

You can consult an orthodontist for your child if his jaw growth is too slow or too fast, if his teeth are misplaced, or if he can't close his mouth properly.

After consultation and examination by the orthodontist, he or she will assess your child's need for orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is relatively rare before the age of 4, unless your child suffers from a significant jaw misalignment. Orthodontic treatment usually begins at age 7, when baby teeth and permanent teeth start to coexist.

Signs that a child may need orthodontic treatment include :

• Jaw growth too slow or too fast;
• Misaligned or overlapping teeth;
• Teeth too far forward or too far apart;
• The top teeth meet behindèlower teeth;
• Premature loss of one or more baby teeth;
• Poor ventilation (breathing) and forced lip occlusion;
• A deviated chin due to a dental disorder that disturbs the balance of the face.

After analyzing your child's dental situation, the orthodontist will propose a personalized treatment plan for your child and present the different systems available.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment is divided into 2 phases:

• A first phase of interceptive treatment (before the eruption of all permanent teeth, between the ages of 7 and 11);
• A second phase of treatment during adolescence in the permanent dentition (after eruption of all permanent teeth, from age 11-12).

À what should a child see an orthodontist?

It is generally recommended to consult an orthodontist around theage of 7.

At this stage, your child is beginning to develop his or her permanent teeth (notably the incisors and first molars), enabling the orthodontist to detect any dental or skeletal (jaw) anomalies.

However, if your child has dental anomalies before the age of 7 (top teeth behind bottom teeth, for example), it's still possible to consult an orthodontist.

This initial consultation does not necessarily mean that orthodontic treatment will be implemented immediately. Above all, it enables us to assess the development of jaws and teeth, prevent any problems and, if necessary, plan appropriate treatment.

Finally, it's never too late for orthodontic treatment, even if it generally takes longer in adults.

Whatever your age, before taking the plunge, don't hesitate to contact your dentist or orthodontist for all the information you need.

Why consult an orthodontist in adulthood?

Because a beautiful smile knows no age, and neither does good oral health!

Today, more and more adults consult an orthodontist to correct problems of alignment, occlusion or simply to regain a smile they like.

Whether you've never had orthodontic treatment before, or your teeth have shifted over time, it's perfectly possible to start treatment as an adult.

Thanks to modern techniques, treatments are more discreet, more comfortable and perfectly adapted to active lifestyles.

Orthodontic treatment can :

• Improve the appearance of your smile;
• Facilitate dental hygiene and prevent cavities and gum problems;
• Relieve joint or muscle pain caused by a poor bite;
• Prepare your mouth for other treatments (implants, crowns, etc.).

To consult an orthodontist, c'is above all a choice for your well-being, your health... and your smile!