Closing spaces and straightening teeth can improve your self-image and self-confidence, no matter how old you are. Dr. Cao will analyse your mouth and the surrounding bone structures to determine where the teeth should be. If there is enough room, the teeth will be straightened through the use of brackets, wires, elastics, headgear and other appliances to achieve a harmonious balance between facial muscles and teeth. If there is not enough room, teeth may have to be removed to achieve the desired results.

We recommend that if your child is showing signs of crowding or too much spacing, he/she should have an orthodontic consultation by the age of 7 or 8. Some other signs of early treatment would be mouth-breathing, thumb or finger sucking, jaw joint problems or any visible discrepancy in the jaw size.  Sometimes early treatment (phase I treatment) may prevent more severe orthodontic problems in the future. Please talk to Dr. Cao if you are having concerns. Phase II treatment involves full braces with archwires and is usually done when all permanent teeth have erupted.