Orthodontics for Children & Adolescents

 

It is never too late or too early to think about orthodontics. Whether your child is just starting grade school or college, we would like to give you the information necessary for your child to have a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

 

We begin treatment when the lower two permanent teeth have erupted (ages 5-7).

 

The advantages of early treatment include:

 

 Moving the front teeth back so they will be less susceptible to injury.

 

• Improving the relationship of upper and lower jaws, allowing more normal future growth and development.

 

•Using maximum advantage of growth for successful treatment.

 

• Improving facial appearance and

self esteem.

 

• Taking advantage of the good cooperation of patients at this age.

 

•Possibly avoiding or reducing the need for further treatment when patients are older.

 

What is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment?

 

Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age.

 

Stage I – Early Orthodontic Treatment:

This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to 6 years. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. Treatment initiated in this stage of development is often very successful and many times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic/orthopedic treatment.

 

Stage II – Mixed Dentition:

This period covers the ages of 6 to 12 years, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment concerns deal with jaw malrelationships and dental realignment problems. This is an excellent stage to start treatment, when indicated, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or

orthopedic forces.

 

Stage III – Adolescent Dentition:

This stage deals with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship.