Orthodontics for Children

It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and it is 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.

Orthodontics for 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 and almost 45% of our practice are adult patients. Being that adults aren’t growing and in many cases the teeth and gums have experienced some breakdown orthodontic treatment present extra challenges.  Drs. Ellis and Dutson spend countless hours in continuing education courses learning new ways to tackle problems faced in working with adult orthodontic cases.  In the end our goal is to not only diagnose the patient, but give that patient a variety of ways to achieve the smile they always wanted.