Is It Time for My Teen's Orthodontic Treatment? Key Considerations

Q: Is It Time for My Teen's Orthodontic Treatment? Key Considerations

Hi： Hello, Question 1： Is correction necessary in this situation? Answer： Based on your description, it does indeed indicate a need for orthodontic treatment. <br>Whether orthodontic treatment is necessary involves multiple factors, so it is advisable to discuss this with your de

Orthodontic treatment for adolescents?

Hello Doctor, my daughter is currently 14 years old and in the third year of junior high school.
Her teeth are somewhat misaligned, with her front teeth protruding slightly, and there are one or two teeth that do not meet when she bites down.
Should she undergo orthodontic treatment for this condition? Is now the right time for orthodontics, or should we wait until her wisdom teeth come in? If she completes orthodontic treatment and then her wisdom teeth emerge, will that have any impact? Additionally, does Taoyuan Hospital offer orthodontic services? I found that the dental clinic hours are mostly during the day, and since my daughter is still in school, are there any evening orthodontic appointments available? Thank you!

Niming, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/13

Dr. Zhu Guanyu reply Dentistry

Hi: Hello, Question 1: Is correction necessary in this situation? Answer: Based on your description, it does indeed indicate a need for orthodontic treatment.
Whether orthodontic treatment is necessary involves multiple factors, so it is advisable to discuss this with your dentist before making a decision.
Question 2: Is now the appropriate time for orthodontic treatment? Or should we wait for the wisdom teeth to erupt? If orthodontic treatment is completed and then the wisdom teeth erupt, will it have any impact? Answer: Different stages may have different orthodontic needs.
Generally speaking, by age fourteen, a teenager's mixed dentition phase has concluded, and the second molars have fully erupted, making it an appropriate time to consider orthodontic treatment.
Whether wisdom teeth affect orthodontic treatment depends on the method of orthodontic correction.
Moreover, epidemiologically, not everyone develops wisdom teeth.
Question 3: Does Taoyuan Hospital offer orthodontic services? I found that the dental clinic hours are mostly during the day, and since my daughter is still in school, are there evening orthodontic hours available? Answer: For a long time, the dental department at Taoyuan Hospital has provided orthodontic services.
For evening orthodontic appointments, please contact Dr.
Tsai on Mondays or Dr.
Fan on Wednesdays (starting in November).
Thank you for your inquiry.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Kuan-Yu Chu, Director of Dentistry, Ministry of Health and Welfare Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2017/10/13

More Info

When considering orthodontic treatment for your 14-year-old daughter, several key factors must be taken into account. Based on your description, it seems that her dental alignment is not optimal, with some teeth not properly occluding and the presence of protruding front teeth. These issues can affect not only her appearance but also her oral health and function.

Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
From your description, it appears that your daughter may benefit from orthodontic treatment. Misaligned teeth can lead to various problems, including difficulty in chewing, increased risk of dental caries, and potential jaw issues over time. The fact that some of her teeth do not meet properly when biting down indicates a malocclusion, which is a common reason for seeking orthodontic intervention.

Timing for Orthodontic Treatment
At 14 years old, your daughter is at a suitable age for orthodontic treatment. By this age, most children have a mix of permanent teeth, and the second molars are typically fully erupted. This stage is often referred to as the "mixed dentition" phase, which is an ideal time for orthodontic evaluation and potential treatment.
Waiting for wisdom teeth (third molars) to erupt before starting orthodontic treatment is not always necessary. In fact, many orthodontists prefer to begin treatment before wisdom teeth come in, as they can complicate the alignment process. Additionally, not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and their presence or absence can vary significantly among individuals.

Impact of Wisdom Teeth on Orthodontic Treatment
If orthodontic treatment is completed before wisdom teeth erupt, there is a possibility that these teeth could affect the alignment achieved. However, many orthodontists plan for this by monitoring the development of wisdom teeth and may recommend their removal if they pose a risk of crowding or misalignment post-treatment.

Orthodontic Services Availability
Regarding your inquiry about orthodontic services at Taoyuan Hospital, it is indeed important to find a facility that accommodates your schedule. Many hospitals and clinics offer evening appointments to cater to students and working individuals. It would be best to contact the dental department directly to inquire about specific orthodontic services and available appointment times.

Conclusion
In summary, based on your daughter's current dental condition, it would be advisable to consult with an orthodontist to discuss the potential benefits of treatment. Given her age and the presence of malocclusion, starting orthodontic treatment now may provide her with the best chance for a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. Additionally, keep in mind that the orthodontist will monitor her dental development closely and make recommendations regarding the management of wisdom teeth as necessary.
Finally, ensure that you have open communication with the orthodontist about any concerns you may have, including the timing of treatment and the implications of wisdom teeth. This will help you make informed decisions regarding your daughter's orthodontic care.

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