When should you consult an orthodontist? The complete HymySmile guide
Wondering if orthodontic treatment could improve your smile? You’re not alone.
At HymySmile, our Diamond Provider experts have treated over 1,000 cases with Invisalign. Here are the situations where orthodontics becomes necessary.
The most common alignment problems
Dental overlap: when there is not enough space
Are your teeth overlapping due to lack of space? This is the most common orthodontic problem.
The consequences:
- Impossible to clean between teeth
- Multiple cavities that are difficult to treat
- A smile that lacks harmony
With Invisalign:12-18 months are enough to regain perfect alignment.
Unsightly spaces between teeth
Those little gaps that hold food in and ruin your smile.
Daily impact:
- Discomfort when speaking and smiling
- Accumulation of food debris
- Premature aging of the smile
Good news:Diastemas correct themselves in just 6-12 months.
Overbite: an invisible but serious problem
Are your upper teeth covering your lower teeth? This silent malocclusion is causing damage.
Long-term risks:
- Premature wear of enamel
- Chronic joint pain
- Digestive problems due to poor chewing
Necessary treatment:18-24 months to rebalance your occlusion.
Misaligned teeth: beyond aesthetics
A simple rotation can complicate your dental hygiene and weaken your entire set of teeth.
Why fix quickly:
- Ineffective brushing = gingivitis
- Abnormal contact points
- Localized bone loss
Children, teenagers, adults: what age to start?
Children (7-12 years): preventive orthodontics
Warning signs:
- Thumb sucking after 6 years
- Mouth breathing
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Jaw growth lag
Advantage of acting early:Guide the natural growth of teeth and avoid more extensive treatment later.
Teenagers (13-17 years): the ideal period
Adolescence is the perfect time to begin orthodontic treatment. At this age, all permanent teeth have erupted, but bones are still malleable. This unique combination allows for faster and more comfortable tooth movement than in adulthood.
Adolescents’ aesthetic motivation also plays a key role in treatment success. Unlike younger children who sometimes undergo orthodontics, teens understand the impact a beautiful smile has on their self-confidence.
With Invisalign, you can forget about the “metal braces” in high school. Your friends won’t even notice you’re wearing braces. And what about athletes? No restrictions, no risk of injury during physical activities.
Adults (18+): It's never too late
“I should have done this when I was younger,” “At my age, it’s no longer useful”… We hear these phrases every day in our office. Yet, they are completely false.
Contrary to popular belief, adult teeth move perfectly well. While the process takes a little longer than it does during adolescence, the results are just as spectacular.
Adult orthodontics even has advantages: better compliance (following instructions), more rigorous dental hygiene, and above all, strong personal motivation. When an adult decides to transform their smile, it’s for themselves, not to please their parents.
When does orthodontics become urgent?
Priority cases to be dealt with quickly:
In children:
- Open bite (teeth that do not touch)
- Prognathism (lower jaw forward)
- Swallowing problems
In adults:
- Jaw joint pain
- Abnormal tooth wear
- Loosening of teeth
Self-diagnosis: Do I need an orthodontist?
Quick 5-question test:
- Are your teeth overlapping?
- Do you have spaces between your teeth?
- Is your jaw clicking or making noise?
- Do you avoid smiling because of your teeth?
- Do you have pain after chewing?
If you answered YES to at least one question:A consultation is required.
Invisalign Diamond Provider expertise: we do everything we can for you
At HymySmile, our Invisalign Diamond Provider status means:
- More than 1000 cases treated successfully
- Access to the latest innovations Invisalign
- Treatment of the most complex cases
- Maximum predictability results