Who Can Benefit from Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that is concerned with diagnosing, treating and preventing malocclusions (bad bites) and other irregularities in the jaw region and face. Orthodontists are specially trained to correct these problems and to restore health, functionality and a beautiful aesthetic appearance to the smile. Though orthodontics was originally aimed at treating children and teenagers, almost one third of orthodontic patients are now adults. A person of any age can be successfully treated by an orthodontist.
A malocclusion (improper bite) can affect anyone at any age, and can significantly impact the individual’s clarity of speech, chewing ability and facial symmetry. In addition, a severe malocclusion can also contribute to several serious dental and physical conditions such as digestive difficulties, TMJ, periodontal disease and severe tooth decay. It is important to seek orthodontic treatment early to avoid expensive restorative procedures in the future.
What Problems Can Orthodontics Treat?
Orthodontics can treat a wide range of dental problems and in most cases, completely realign the teeth. Orthodontists may work alone, or in combination with a maxillofacial surgeon.
The typical irregularities requiring orthodontic treatment are as follows:
- Overcrowding – An overcrowded mouth means there is insufficient space within the jaw for all of the adult teeth to fit naturally. Overcrowding may lead to displaced, rotated or completely misaligned teeth.
- Overbite – An overbite refers to the protrusion of the maxilla (upper jaw) relative to the mandible (lower jaw). An overbite gives the smile a “toothy” appearance and the chin looks like it has receded.
- Underbite – An underbite, also known as a negative underjet, refers to the protrusion of the mandible (lower jaw) in relation to the maxilla (upper jaw). An underbite makes the chin look overly prominent. Developmental delays and genetic factors generally cause underbites and overbites.
How Can Orthodontics Help?
Orthodontic dentistry offers techniques which will realign the teeth and revitalize the smile. There are several treatments the orthodontist may use, depending on the results of panoramic x-rays, study models (bite impressions) and a thorough visual examination.
Fixed dental braces can be used to expediently correct even the most severe case of misalignment. These braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets which are affixed to each tooth and an archwire which is used to gradually move the teeth through the duration of the treatment.
Removable appliances include headgear (which consists of a metal wire device attached to customized braces), retainers, Invisalign® aligners (which are almost invisible to the naked eye), palate expanders and tooth movers. Faceguards are generally used to correct developmental delays in both the upper and lower jaw, and palate expanders are used to combat overcrowding.
Whatever the dental irregularity or the age of the individual, orthodontic appliances can properly realign the teeth and create a beautiful smile.
If you have any questions or concerns about orthodontic treatments or how they can benefit you, please contact our Waterloo, dental office.
Who Should Consider Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment can benefit patients across a wide range of ages and circumstances. The historical image of orthodontics — a teenager in metal braces — covers only a fraction of who actually undergoes treatment today. Children as young as seven receive early-intervention orthodontic care for specific issues. Teenagers benefit from comprehensive treatment as their permanent teeth come in. Adults of any age may pursue treatment for crowding, bite issues, cosmetic concerns, or in preparation for restorative work.
The right age to start treatment varies by case. The American and Canadian orthodontic associations recommend a first orthodontic evaluation around age seven, when the first permanent molars and front teeth have usually erupted and developing issues can be identified. This does not mean treatment starts at age seven for most children — it means the evaluation happens. The actual start of treatment depends on what is found and what would benefit from intervention.
Most children who need treatment start in the early-to-mid teen years when most permanent teeth have come in. Some benefit from earlier phase-one treatment to address specific developing issues, with phase-two comprehensive treatment in the teens. Adults can begin treatment at essentially any age — the technique is the same, the appliances are the same, the outcomes are comparable. The decision is about what you want and when you are ready to commit to the time investment.
Patient Groups Who Often Benefit From Orthodontic Treatment
Across all age groups, certain situations particularly benefit from orthodontic care:
- Children with significant crowding that risks creating problems as permanent teeth erupt
- Children with crossbite that causes uneven jaw growth if untreated
- Children with severely protruding front teeth at risk of trauma
- Children with thumb-sucking habits that have affected bite development
- Teenagers with the typical range of orthodontic concerns — crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite
- Teens with impacted canines or other teeth that need surgical exposure and orthodontic movement
- Adults with crowding that makes cleaning difficult and contributes to gum disease
- Adults with bite issues causing headaches, jaw pain, or uneven tooth wear
- Adults considering implant placement where teeth need to be moved first to create proper space
- Adults whose teeth have shifted over time after previous orthodontic treatment (relapse cases)
- Patients preparing for major restorative work (crowns, veneers, implants) where alignment matters
- Patients with cosmetic concerns about their smile who want to address it
- Patients with sleep apnea where orthodontic-orthognathic combined treatment may help airway space
- Patients with TMJ issues where bite correction may reduce symptoms
The right answer for most situations is a consultation rather than a presumption. Many cases that seem like obvious candidates for treatment turn out to be manageable other ways; many cases that seem to need nothing turn out to benefit significantly from intervention.
How to Decide Whether Treatment Is Right for You
The first step is an honest conversation. A consultation visit includes a thorough exam, photographs, x-rays (often a panoramic image), and a discussion of what your dentist or orthodontist would recommend. You see the proposed treatment plan, the timeline, the cost, and the alternatives. Nothing is committed at the consultation — this is the time to ask questions and decide whether treatment fits your priorities.
Consider what you want to achieve. Cosmetic concerns are valid and very common reasons for adult orthodontic treatment. Functional concerns (chewing, jaw pain, easier home care) are equally valid and often more impactful long-term. Pre-restorative orthodontics (moving teeth to make room for an implant or bridge) is essentially required in some cases. Some patients combine multiple goals.
Consider the time commitment. Active treatment takes one to three years for most cases. Visits to the office every six to eight weeks during active treatment. Retainer wear is permanent. If you have a major life change coming up (move, deployment, demanding period at work), this may affect when to start treatment. Conversely, waiting indefinitely sometimes means problems progress or restorative work needs to happen before orthodontics is feasible.
Consider the cost honestly. Orthodontic treatment is a significant financial commitment, partially offset by insurance for many patients. Payment timing options spread the cost across the treatment period. Trillium is transparent about cost at the consultation so you can decide whether treatment fits your budget alongside other priorities.
What This Means for Your Care at Trillium
Trillium provides orthodontic consultations and Invisalign treatment directly, and we work with orthodontists for traditional braces and complex cases. We follow the current Ontario Dental Association Suggested Fee Guide for our orthodontic services. Most private dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment to some extent, typically with a lifetime maximum that applies across all orthodontic treatment combined. Coverage for adult orthodontics is less common than for children but is included in many plans.
Payment timing options can spread orthodontic cost across the treatment period. Direct billing is available with most plans that allow it. We submit pre-determinations to your insurer before treatment starts so you know exactly what is covered. CDCP coverage for orthodontics is limited and requires pre-authorization based on medical necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child is seven. Do they need braces already?
Probably not, but an evaluation at this age is recommended. Most children who get evaluated at seven are placed in a monitoring plan and start active treatment several years later. A small minority benefit from early intervention to address specific issues that are easier to manage now than later.
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
No. Adults of any age can undergo orthodontic treatment with excellent results. Adult treatment may take slightly longer than treatment in growing children, but the underlying tooth movement principles are the same and outcomes are comparable.
My teeth shifted after braces years ago. Can they be straightened again?
Yes. Retreatment of mild to moderate relapse is very common and usually shorter than the original treatment. Clear aligners are often a good choice for retreatment because the movement needed is typically less than what an original treatment addressed.
I have crowns and bridges. Can I still have braces?
Yes. Crowns and bridges can be moved with orthodontic appliances, though the brackets attach differently than to natural teeth. Some restorations may need to be replaced after orthodontic treatment if their position relative to surrounding teeth has changed significantly.
I do not want anyone to see I am in treatment. What are my options?
Clear aligners (like Invisalign) are nearly invisible and the most popular adult option. Ceramic braces are tooth-coloured and less visible than metal braces. Lingual braces sit behind the teeth and are not visible at all from the front. Your consultation can discuss which fits your case and your preferences.
How long will treatment take?
Most cases take between one and three years. Simple cases finish in under a year; complex cases involving jaw surgery can take three to four years total. Your consultation includes a specific estimate for your situation based on what needs to be done.