Dr. Mark S. Farina
15303 Amberly Dr. #E
Tampa, FL 33647
Tel: (813) 972-2929
Fax: (813) 977-1471
WHAT BRACES CAN DO FOR YOU
Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate
the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic
treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic
patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced
some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may
require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment.
Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is
advisable.
Kids
It's best for the orthodontist to 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 come in by that time and crossbites,
crowding and other problems can be evaluated. 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 likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate
abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can
simplify later treatment.