Orthodontic Treatment For Kids
All Kids Should Get a Check-up with an Orthodontist No Later Than Age 7.
By age 7 your child will have enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to determine if an orthodontic problem exists or is developing. Waiting for the eruption of all the permanent teeth could not be in the best interest of your child’s dental development. When all permanent teeth have erupted your child is likely close to finishing his or her growth, limiting the option of correction of his or her bite by modifying the growth of the jaws. By recognizing severe crowding and growth discrepancies early Dr. Broess can develop a treatment for your child that will address these issues while keeping the treatment time as short as possible and avoiding extractions of teeth. Your child deserves the best.
Orthodontic Two-Phase Treatment
Early orthodontic interception before all permanent teeth have erupted, is sometimes indicated if a significant dental or growth problem is recognized at an early age. Your child might need early interceptive treatment to correct, for example, a narrow upper jaw, severe protrusion of the front teeth an underbite, or severe crowding.
This type of early treatment is called the first phase of treatment and is done at an early age (7-10 years) when many baby teeth are still present. Usually, this treatment is short and lasts for only 6-9 months.
After the first phase, a second orthodontic phase is often indicated once all the permanent teeth have erupted. By addressing significant growth and development issues early, your child’s treatment in the second phase will be easier, shorter, and with a better outcome.
Most children do not need a two-phase treatment. However, if indicated a two-phase treatment will give your child the best possible outcome. Have Dr. Broess evaluate your child to see if any growth and development problems exist and what time treatment should be started.
Child Orthodontics
- Ceramic (Metal) Braces
- Clear Braces
- Invisalign® Teen
- Two-Phase Treatments
- Monitoring Growth & Development
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics for Children
When patients’ jaws or teeth are out of alignment, it can lead to lasting damage and an increased risk of oral health problems. Misaligned and crowded teeth are more difficult to clean making it more likely for decay to develop. A severe overjet and deep bite can cause uneven wear and tear on your child’s teeth and can also cause problems with their temporomandibular joint and ability to chew or speak properly. Orthodontic treatment helps to bring the jaw and teeth into proper alignment to give your child their best chance at a life free from oral health concerns.
It starts with a smile they can be proud to share. Aesthetic dental concerns can be a very challenging part of a child’s life, resulting in teasing and bullying and problems with self-confidence. Preventing decay is also more difficult when teeth are crowded and misaligned. Speaking, chewing, singing, any activity that involves the mouth is affected by the alignment of the teeth and jaw.
The majority of orthodontic concerns faced by children are the result of genetics. There are other orthodontic issues that are caused by poor habits such as thumb sucking and dental disease. Patients who lose their baby teeth early aren’t able to benefit from the stabilizing action these teeth provide and can develop severe crowding or even impaction of permanent teeth.
Each patient is an individual and the right time for orthodontic treatment can vary. Your child should receive their first orthodontic assessment by seven years of age. Beyond that, the best time to get your child orthodontic treatment is when Dr. Broess determines that its time. His assessment will be based on your child’s development and the type of orthodontic problem.
As the name suggests, this treatment is done in two active phases. The first phase is focused on aiding the jaw in developing appropriately and allowing normal eruption of the permanent teeth. Early Phase one orthodontics will provide the best chance for there to be sufficient room for your child’s permanent teeth. The first warning signs of your child needing Phase I orthodontics is an upper jaw that is too narrow, severe crowding, impaction of permanent teeth, protrusion of the front teeth or an underbite. Once a child has reached six years of age, it becomes possible to begin treatment. Early treatment can help to save your child’s smile later in life.
Once phase one is finished, there is a stage known as the resting period. During this time, the patient’s teeth are allowed to proceed through the eruption process naturally. Your child will be wearing a retainer to prevent losing any progress made. During this time Dr Broess will continue to monitor your child’s dental development.
The final stage of the two-phase orthodontic treatment ensures that all of the teeth are properly in position. This ensures that the natural balance of tongue, lips, teeth, and cheeks can be properly established. In most cases, patients going through phase two will be fitted with upper and lower braces by Dr. Broess. This part of the treatment often lasts less than 22 months. After this treatment, your child will continue to wear retainers to ensure their teeth remain in place. Dr. Broess recommends his patients to wear a retainer at night for the rest of their lives.
Have more questions about Orthodontics or Braces for your child?
Reach out today to schedule an appointment to decide what the best treatment option is for you.
