Katsis Orthodontics: Early Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have an orthodontic examination by an orthodontist at age 7 or 8. The vast majority of children do not require early orthodontic treatment (also known as Interceptive Treatment or a Phase 1) and will be routinely monitored until they are ready for comprehensive orthodontics (which typically starts between the ages of 11 and 13). Some children have bite problems that will significantly benefit from early treatment. The following are some of the bite-problems that should be treated early.
Posterior Crossbites
In children, there are times when the upper jaw is too narrow to accommodate all of their teeth. Palatal expanders create more space in a child's mouth by gradually widening the upper jaw. Although this may sound scary, it's really quite easy — both to do and to tolerate. That's because the upper jaw actually develops as two separate halves that don't completely fuse together until sometime after puberty. Before that happens, the two bones can gently be separated and stabilized over a period of several months. An expander is custom-made for each individual and fits over several top teeth in the back of the mouth. The appliance has two halves that are connected in the middle with a screw. To activate the device, you simply turn the screw a very small amount each day with a special key. In addition to making more room for adult teeth, a palatal expander can help to prevent future gum problems and avoid surgical procedures when the child is done growing. Underbites
An underbite is when the upper front teeth are behind the lower front teeth. Underbites that are left untreated can cause damage to the gums, teeth, and jaw joint (TMJs). Correcting an underbite in a child is typically achieved with an expander connected to a brace worn at night. In addition to causing damage to the teeth and gums, untreated underbites may require a surgical reduction and/or repositioning of the the jaw bones after growth is completed. |
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Severe Dental Crowding
If a child has severe dental crowding a first phase of orthodontic treatment is indicated to help alleviate the crowding and help the adult teeth come into the arches in a healthier position. Expanders and braces are commonly used to help alleviate severe crowding in a young child. Improving the space available for erupting adult teeth helps reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth (teeth that are stuck in the gums). A complimentary examination is critical to diagnosing and treating crowding in a growing child.
If a child has severe dental crowding a first phase of orthodontic treatment is indicated to help alleviate the crowding and help the adult teeth come into the arches in a healthier position. Expanders and braces are commonly used to help alleviate severe crowding in a young child. Improving the space available for erupting adult teeth helps reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth (teeth that are stuck in the gums). A complimentary examination is critical to diagnosing and treating crowding in a growing child.
Dental Protrusion
When the upper front teeth are protruded (sticking out) they are far more likely to become damaged or lost due to trauma or accidents. It is no secret that kids occasionally get bumped or fall down. Minimizing the damage to permanent teeth is critical to insuring a lifetime of dental health.
When the upper front teeth are protruded (sticking out) they are far more likely to become damaged or lost due to trauma or accidents. It is no secret that kids occasionally get bumped or fall down. Minimizing the damage to permanent teeth is critical to insuring a lifetime of dental health.
Psychosocial Concerns
Although rare, sometimes children are very self-conscious of their teeth and smile at a young age. Early orthodontic treatment can help to dramatically improve the self-esteem of a young child especially if he or she reports teasing by peers or classmates.
Although rare, sometimes children are very self-conscious of their teeth and smile at a young age. Early orthodontic treatment can help to dramatically improve the self-esteem of a young child especially if he or she reports teasing by peers or classmates.
Orthodontics for Pre-Teens and Teenagers
The most common age for comprehensive orthodontics is around 12 years old. There are several advantages to beginning orthodontic treatment at this age. Children are beginning the puberty related growth spurt around this age which helps teeth move faster. Normal growth of the jaw at this time also helps correct overbites, which is the most common orthodontic problem.
Additionally many children have braces and orthodontic treatment at this age which helps reduce any treatment associated social anxiety. Even if your son or daughter still has a few baby teeth remaining at this age we recommend a complimentary orthodontic evaluation to assess their orthodontic needs. No referral is necessary for an evaluation, just contact us to schedule your initial examination!
The most common age for comprehensive orthodontics is around 12 years old. There are several advantages to beginning orthodontic treatment at this age. Children are beginning the puberty related growth spurt around this age which helps teeth move faster. Normal growth of the jaw at this time also helps correct overbites, which is the most common orthodontic problem.
Additionally many children have braces and orthodontic treatment at this age which helps reduce any treatment associated social anxiety. Even if your son or daughter still has a few baby teeth remaining at this age we recommend a complimentary orthodontic evaluation to assess their orthodontic needs. No referral is necessary for an evaluation, just contact us to schedule your initial examination!
Bonus valid from now until January 31, 2020.
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Hours:
M, T, Th: 8:00 - 5:00 W: 9-6 Sat: 8:00 - 1:00 Hours may vary by location |
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