When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
Early Treatment
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, Chenin Orthodontic Group can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, we can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. The presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
- Enhanced self-image and higher self confidence
- Easier speaking, phonetics, chewing, and digestion
- Correcting harmful oral habits
- Proper balance of lips and gums
- Easier oral hygiene
- Improved growth and development of facial structures
Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile. Orthodontic treatment improves bad bites, also known as malocclusions. Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment and affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth, or feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
Untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping, crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear, and openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile; it creates a healthier you.
By evaluating and working with a child’s natural growth pattern, early orthodontic treatment can reduce the future need for pulling teeth to address crowding. Early treatment helps the jaws develop in alignment and gives permanent teeth room to come in naturally.
Growth Phase
The Growth Phase, also known as Phase I, typically begins around age 7 to 10 and lasts approximately 12 to 18 months. Visits to our office are scheduled every eight to 10 weeks. A few simple appliances and partial braces aid in expanding and reshaping jaws, improving bite problems, and aligning permanent front teeth.
After Growth Phase goals are met, appliances and braces are removed and retainers are provided. Periodic monitoring ensures Growth Phase results are maintained and helps determine the optimum time to complete the second phase of treatment.
Alignment Phase
The Alignment Phase, also known as Phase II, begins when most of the permanent teeth have erupted. This phase involves braces on all teeth and typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. Goals include aligning newly erupted permanent teeth, obtaining total bite correction, and maximizing facial esthetics.
The Alignment Phase ends with braces and any appliances being removed, and a retainer is issued to help maintain the newly transformed smile.