|
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. Early detection of orthodontic problems is important in case early corrective action is needed to avoid more difficult treatment later.
Early signs that may help prompt you to seek an orthodontic evaluation are crooked teeth, gaps between teeth or overlapping teeth. Protruding upper teeth (buck-teeth) or an under-bite are definite signs for early treatment. There are other not-so-obvious symptoms, such as malalignment, shifting, or asymmetry of the jaw.
Phase I usually begins when your child has most of the baby teeth and a few of the permanent front teeth. The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept a moderate or severe orthodontic problem to reduce its severity. Such problems may be:
- Jaw disproportion
- Protruded teeth
- Crowding
- Damaging oral habits
With these problems, timely treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This helps reduce the need for extractions or surgery and delivers better long-term results and treatment options.
Phase II treatment usually occurs when the majority of the permanent teeth are present. This generally involves full braces. The goal of Phase II treatment is to achieve an ideal occlusion, or bite, with all of the permanent teeth.
With the advances in technology and the use of early treatment (Phase I), fewer than 10% of our patients require permanent tooth extraction.
Yes. Orthodontics is the process of moving teeth through the bone into their new positions. Once teeth have been moved into their desired positions, retainers will be placed to maintain the teeth in these positions. Orthodontics is a correction. It is not a cure. Once stabilization occurs, we encourage our patients to wear their retainers on a nightly basis to maintain their beautiful smile.
Of course! Many adults seek the treatment they did not or could not have when they where younger. Age is not a factor. For those concerned about the appearance of braces, we offer many ways to straighten teeth without using braces.
|
