Orthodontics is that specialty of dentistry that deals with the straightening of crooked teeth. Although there are many types of appliances that can be used by an orthodontist to straighten the teeth, the most common appliance is braces.

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed 2 or more years of specialty training upon dental school. After graduation from an accredited university based program, that dental specialist is required to pass a specialty licensing examination in orthodontics. Orthodontists limit their practice to the treatment of malocclusions and malrelationships of the facial bones.

The child's first visit to an orthodontist should take place as soon as an orthodontic problem is detected. If your dentist hasn't already recommended an orthodontic examination, every child should be seen by an orthodontist no later than age 7. Although no treatment may be needed at this age, an examination is important to ensure maximum dental health for your child. Early warning signs that may indicate an orthodontic problem are: crowded teeth, early or late loss of teeth, thumb or finger sucking, protruding teeth, facial imbalance, and biting the cheek or into the roof of the mouth.

No. Some orthodontic problems are best treated during the active growth phase that takes place between the ages of  7-10. With some patients, early treatment achieves results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. Bringing your child in by age 7 allows the orthodontic specialist to determine his or her optimum treatment time.

Orthodontic treatment is a change for the better regardless of your age. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. And with the new cosmetic braces that are available now, more adults than ever before are choosing to give themselves that beautiful smile they've always wanted.