What is the right age for orthodontic treatment?
- Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages 8 and 14.  By age 7, most children have a mixture of adult and baby teeth.  Dr. Dahar can spot subtle problems with your jaw growth and emerging permanent teeth while some baby teeth are still present.  This is important, because some problems are easier to correct if they are diagnosed early.  For these reasons, The American Association of Orthodonitst recommends that a child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7.  While a child's teeeth may appear to be straight. there could be a prblem that only Dr. Dahar can detect.  Of course, the examination may reveal that the child's bite is fine.  That can be comforting news.  Even if a problem is detected, Dr. Dahar may not recommend immediate treatment.  He may take a "wait and see" approach, checking on the child from time to time as the permanent teeth come in and jaws and face continue to grow.  For each patient needing treatment, there is an ideal time for treatment to begin in order to achieve the best result.  Dr. Dahar is the specialist who has the knowledge to determine when the time is just right.

What about Adult Treatment? 

-Sometimes, a parent whose child is being treated will choose to have orthhodontic treatment also.  Braces can improve a person's smile and confidence at any age.  With the help of your dentist and Dr. Dahar, you can have a healthy, beautiful smile you have always wanted.  With today's smaller, less visible, more comfortable braces, and the affordable payment plans we offer, adult patients are finding braces more appealing.  In our office the oldest patient is in her 80's and is delighted with her decision to have orthodontic treatment.  Adult patients comprise 40% of our practice.

How long does treatment take? 

- Active orthodontic treatment with Dr. Dahar ranges from one to three years.  The actual time depends on the growth of the patient's mouth and face, the severity of the problem, and the cooperation of the patient. Mild problems may require less tiime, and some individuals respond to treatment faster than other.  At the initial consultation Dr. Dahar will be able to give an estimated time frame.

Are there any signs that my child might need orthodontics? 

- It is not always easy to tell when your child has an orthodontic problem.  Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite and that is why it important to take your child for an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7.  Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:

        - Early to late loss of baby teeth

        -Difficulty in chewing or biting

        -Breathing through the mouth

        -Thumb-sucking

        -Crowded, misplaced or blocked out teeth

        -Jaws that are too far back or forward

        -Biting the check or biting the roof of the mouth

         -Protruding teeth

        -Upper and lower teeth that don't meet, or meet in an abnormal way

        -An unbalanced facial appearance

       -Grinding or clenching of the teeth.