Lavrin and Lawrence Orthodontics

Orthodontics for Children

Braces are cool! For most kids, getting braces is a 'coming of age' milestone. Parents understand the benefits of giving their children the lifetime gift of a beautiful smile and healthy bite: a fabulous smile improves self esteem, can help in securing future jobs as well as finding a life partner.

Most kids choose to have stainless steel/silver braces with coloured modules. These come in many different colours and patients may like to match them to their favourite football team, sports team or school. We even have glow-in-the-dark colours! For kids who do not want to show their braces off, then the aesthetic option of clear/ceramic brackets are available. Teen Invisalign may also be an option.

What is early orthodontic treatment?

It is recommended that the orthodontist see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually erupted by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. With younger children who have growing facial problems, chewing difficulties or psychological problems due to peer group teasing, sometimes the best way to treat the child is with two phases of orthodontic treatment. An early interceptive phase can correct the obvious problems and the routine problems are treated later in the second phase with braces. The early treatment prevents more serious problems developing and also relieves stress a child feels from orthodontic problems.

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, and correct thumb-sucking.

Orthodontics for Adults

So, have you noticed recently your teeth becoming more crooked? Or, perhaps your parents could never afford orthodontics all those years ago and deep down your smile has always bothered you? You have gaps between your teeth that you want closed or your teeth stick out? Well, you are not alone. Nearly one million adults are wearing braces today – twice as many as ten years ago. One in four orthodontic patients are adults and in our city practice, 70% of patients are adults ranging from their early 20s to their late 70s. The biological process of orthodontic tooth movement is the same, regardless of age.

There are many sound clinical reasons for adult treatment. As we age, the smile line drops, often exposing previously unnoticed crowded teeth. If periodontal or gum disease is present then the crowding can worsen. Orthodontic treatment can align the crooked teeth, making them easier to keep clean, thereby lessening the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay. In some cases, orthodontic treatment is required as part of an overall treatment plan in preparation for restorative work and implants. Finally, the aesthetic appearance of a beautiful smile improves the quality of life of patients, by contributing to their sense of wellbeing and to the development of their self esteem.

Contrary to popular belief, wearing braces will not interfere with an adult lifestyle. Patients can make business presentations, sing, play a musical instrument, dine out - and of course, kiss!

Most adults choose to have ceramic braces, whilst some like to stand out from the crowd with gold braces. Of course regular, stainless steel braces can be worn by adult patients, but for those who are after the ultimate in aesthetics then invisible or lingual braces and Invisalign are available.