When should orthodontic treatment begin

World Orthodontic Health Day on May 15 brings to the forefront issues of dental occlusion, their possible consequences, and the benefits of timely treatment.

Malocclusion is very common. Studies have shown that more than one in two Greek children face varying degrees of dental occlusion problems, while more than one in four have such a severe issue that they have a great or very great need for treatment.

Unfortunately, however, parents often delay taking their children for an orthodontic check-up, resulting in a delay in the start of the required treatment. According to the American and the World Federation of Orthodontists, the first visit to the orthodontist should take place at the age of 7, while children still have primary teeth so that any problem can be diagnosed in time and it can be decided when treatment should begin.

Unfortunately, however, many parents believe that a child needs an orthodontic check-up only after all their teeth have changed and the permanent ones have erupted, thinking that pre-existing problems might correct themselves when new teeth come in. However, this is not true and may have consequences.

“Delaying the start of orthodontic treatment is harmful because, in many cases, the problem becomes established, and the treatment required for its correction becomes more complex,” emphasizes Dr. Katerina Douma-Michelaki, DDS, PhD, Specialist in Pediatric & Adult Orthodontics and General Secretary of the Hellenic Society of Orthodontic Aligners (EEON). “Most orthodontic problems do not correct themselves but require treatment that must be carried out at the right time.”

Furthermore, not addressing orthodontic abnormalities has many consequences in the daily lives of patients. Studies have shown that it can negatively affect speech and digestion and contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Additionally, it can cause problems in the jaw joints and increase the risk of dental and oral injuries. Even worse, it can lead to psychological and emotional difficulties.

“On the contrary, if orthodontic problems are corrected in time, many issues can be avoided, such as trauma to protruding front teeth that may break or cavities and gingivitis due to inadequate teeth cleaning,” says Dr. Douma-Michelaki. “Facial bones will also develop correctly, achieving skeletal harmony. Other benefits of timely orthodontic treatment include reducing the need for future tooth extractions, improving chewing and speech problems caused by incorrect tooth positioning, and enhancing facial aesthetics and overall well-being, as the patient will feel better about themselves.”

The general rule is that the earlier an assessment is made by a specialist orthodontist, the better, as proper diagnosis is the first and fundamental step in the timely management and resolution of orthodontic problems.

In addition to children and adolescents, adults also undergo orthodontic treatment. In fact, approximately 20-30% of orthodontic patients are adults who usually seek treatment to correct pre-existing problems. However, many also wish to address issues that have arisen over time due to conditions such as periodontitis. These diseases and, more generally, dental problems must be treated before orthodontic therapy so that the patient can achieve the best possible outcome.

The good news is that modern orthodontic treatments are not limited to metal “braces.” The mechanisms used today in orthodontic therapy can be removable (the individual can take them out themselves) or fixed (remaining stable during treatment and removed only by the orthodontist).

These mechanisms can consist of advanced materials, including nearly invisible ceramic brackets, lingual brackets placed on the back of the teeth, mini-implants, etc.

For those who do not wish to wear conventional orthodontic appliances (e.g., because they are visible or feel restrictive), there are sets of transparent, removable aligners that are used for a few days and then replaced, based on a treatment plan executed by the specialist orthodontist.

“Many people have the impression that orthodontic treatments are carried out for aesthetic reasons, but in reality, the main reason is not cosmetic but developmental and functional,” emphasizes Dr. Douma-Michelaki.

To raise awareness about the significant benefits of orthodontic treatment among the general public, the Orthodontic and Craniofacial Study and Research Society (EOGME) organized an awareness campaign at Zappeion on the important issues of the impact of Orthodontics on our entire face.

“Let us celebrate World Orthodontic Health Day with the slogan of the World Federation of Orthodontists, which perfectly expresses and reflects reality: ‘A beautiful smile is health and a wonderful gift of life,’” concludes Dr. Douma-Michelaki.