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The American
Association for Orthodontists recommends that every child have an
orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. Early detection and treatment
gives your child the edge: a much better chance for natural and normal
development. By working with the natural growth instead of against it, we
can prevent problems from becoming worse, and give your child a lifetime
of healthy smiles!
 Early treatment
should be initiated for:
-
Habits such
as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking
-
A
constricted airway due to swollen adenoids or tonsils
-
Mouth
breathing or snoring problems
-
A bad bite
-
Bone
problems (i.e. narrow or underdeveloped jaws)
-
Space
maintenance (for missing teeth)
Phase One
-
Functional (Growth) Appliances and/or Limited
Braces - Ages 5 to 12
In the first
phase, the doctor is interested in the position and symmetry of the jaws,
future growth, spacing of the teeth, breathing and other oral habits which
may, over a period of time, result in abnormal dentofacial development.
Treatment
initiated in this phase of development is often very successful and some
times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic
treatment.
Phase Two
- Braces - Ages 12 to 14
In the second
phase, the doctor will be looking at how your child’s teeth and jaws
fit, and more specifically work, together. Your child’s teeth will be
straightened and their occlusion (bite) is properly aligned. Attention
will be given to the jaw joint, (TMJ), the facial profile and periodontal
(gum) tissues. By undergoing the first phase, we can usually reduce the
amount of time needed for braces.
Facts: Early
Treatment is Important to Consider!
Facial
Development - Seventy-five percent of
12-year-olds need orthodontic treatment. Yet 90% of a child's face has
already developed! By guiding facial development earlier, through the use
of functional appliances, 80% of the treatment can be corrected before the
adult teeth are present!
Cooperation
- Younger children between the ages of 8 and 11 are
often much more cooperative than children of ages 12 to 14.
Shorter
Treatment Time - Another advantage of early
Phase One treatment is that children will need to wear fixed braces on
their adult teeth for less time.
To Correct
Underdeveloped or Overdeveloped Jaws -
Almost
55% of children who need orthodontic treatment due to a bad bite have
underdeveloped or overdeveloped upper or lower jaws. Functional appliances
and/or limited braces can reposition the jaws, improving the child's
profile and correcting the bite problem - within 7 to 9 months!
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