Smiles for All Ages
Who says you're ever too old or too young for orthodontic treatment? Everyone has a mouth, everyone has a smile, and sometimes a little help is all it takes to keep them at their best.
At Kwong Orthodontics of Portage, we use the latest technology and advanced treatments to serve patients of all ages.
Orthodontics for Kids
Early treatment can be a major leg up for your child’s smile. Dr. Kwong excels at detecting and potentially correcting these concerns when they're just beginning.
Misaligned jaws and certain childhood issues may also signal airway or growth problems down the road.
In early treatment, our focus at Kwong Orthodontics is setting bone growth and development on the right path.
The First Free Examination
We're thrilled to welcome children of all ages, and we're happy to see them whenever parents or the general dentist sense an issue. While we prefer to see children around age seven, it's never too late to introduce them to our practice.
Dr. Kwong may choose to monitor your child's bone growth and development. We'll talk to your family before deciding on the best way to treat your child, making sure they’re prepared.
Early Intervention for Lasting Smiles
All adult teeth typically emerge between the ages of 10 to 13, though this can vary among patients. By this age, most of the bone growth has concluded, making it possible to start adjusting teeth successfully.
Catching issues related to bone development at these early stages is crucial, as they can become much more challenging to treat later on. Early treatment is ideal for addressing:
Addressing Crossbite
Severe crossbite occurs when the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth. We often treat crossbite with a device called a palatal expander, which gradually widens the upper jaw. This approach is especially effective when the jaw hasn't fully developed yet.
Delaying treatment can lead to more complicated procedures if you want a healthy smile.
Managing Crowding
Severe crowding arises when the jaws can't accommodate all the permanent teeth present.
To ensure the smooth growth of your child's adult teeth, we might recommend palatal expansion or tooth removal.
Effectively addressing crowding in early treatment makes later adolescent treatments more manageable.
Correcting Protruding Teeth
Protruding teeth, especially in front, can be prone to chipping and fractures, impacting a child's self-esteem. A significant underbite due to the lower jaw growing faster than the upper jaw can result in severe bite issues.
The sooner we deal with protruding teeth, the easier treatment will be.
Eliminating Bad Habits
Sometimes, a child's habits can influence the development and function of their teeth, jaws, and mouth, potentially leading to orthodontic issues later in life. Examples include persistent thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing.
Taking action early on can prevent the need for prolonged orthodontic treatment. Dr. Kwong is highly skilled in identifying and addressing harmful habits that may cause orthodontic issues, ensuring a healthier and happier smile in the long run.
Smiles for Teens
Adolescence is the prime time for orthodontic treatment. Once all adult teeth are in place, we can begin aligning teeth and enhancing both the bite and smile.
In many cases, the sooner, the better when it comes to orthodontic treatment.
As we age, crowding becomes more pronounced, and issues that were once minor can become more complex. Treating orthodontic conditions during adolescence is easier because the body is still rapidly growing.
We can stabilize bone growth and get amazing results by combining orthodontics and appliances like palatal expanders. Waiting until patients are older can make many issues significantly more challenging to address, leading to longer and more complex treatments.
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment is one of the most valuable investments in your health and appearance, no matter your age!
With an increasing number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment for subtle or transformative changes, we recognize the importance of offering effective and efficient treatment options tailored to our adult patients' needs.
Tailored Adult Treatment
Dr. Kwong bring a wealth of experience in treating adult patients. Our collaborative approach enables us to create customized treatment plans aligned with your goals.
It also allows us to work closely with your dental team, including the general dentist and potential other dental specialists.
Special Factors of Adult Treatment
Here are some aspects of adult treatment that are important to remember:
- Since your teeth and jaws have stopped growing, Dr. Kwong can no longer leverage growth and dental development.
- We may need to consider periodontal (gum and bone) issues when planning treatment.
- Many adults have pre-existing restorations or seek new ones to enhance their smile's appearance.
- Abnormal wear from the current bite or grinding/clenching is common in many adults.
- Joint problems (TMD) or pain may be present.
These factors should not stop any adult patients from seeking treatment. In fact, orthodontic treatment can often help alleviate oral conditions that may lead to tooth decay, gum and bone loss, irregular tooth wear, and joint problems.
Additionally, we can address jaw alignment and prepare your teeth and jaw bone structures for future restorations and/or implants.
Unlock Your Best Smile Today
It’s never too early or too late to realize the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Kwong is here to help patients of all ages achieve their ideal smiles. Whether you're young or an adult, it's never too late to start. Contact our office in Portage for a free consultation and start your smile journey today.