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Posted on June 29, 2009 by Matt Klein | Posted under Dental Care
Your Child and the Orthodontist in Alpharetta
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Some conspicuous issues that may require orthodontic intervention at an early age include any one or more of the following: bite irregularities or speech problems, finger or pacifier sucking habits that continue after six years old, sticking out front teeth, "gapping" of teeth or crowding issues, baby teeth falling out too early or late, chronic mouth breathing, jaw joints that click or are painful misplaced or extra teeth, a weak or prominent jaw or other facial imbalance. Simply because your young child doesn't have any of these doesn't mean he doesn't have any orthodontic needs. There are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Phase I, also called interceptive treatment, will generally begin when your youngster still has the majority of his or her baby teeth and perhaps a couple of the permanent adult front teeth. This usually occurs around age seven and is known to as early mixed dentition. The target of early or interceptive treatment is to create space in the jaws for permanent teeth and to help the jaws relate to each other properly. Treatment may involve only the need to design a retainer-like appliance, used to steer the existing teeth into the proper alignment so that the permanent teeth can grow in properly, or it may possibly involve the removal of one or more baby teeth to permit adequate space for the permanent teeth. Interceptive treatment could also include a combination of orthodontic treatments. The strategies and timing used will be determined by your child's explicit orthodontic problem and unique disposition. With early treatment, the orthodontist can take advantage of a child's growth, to create space and move teeth that would not be possible in an older child. Waiting till the baby teeth have come out and permanent teeth have come in or till facial expansion is virtually complete may make orthodontic correction of some issues harder. Leaving some orthodontic problems untreated, such as a misalignment of the jaws, could result in a problem too serious for braces alone to treat. However, not all bite abnormalities need early intervention. Many problems can wait until most of the adult teeth have grown in. Your orthodontist can establish which problems require early treatment and those problems that can wait. That's why it's so important that your child have an examination at an early age. Therefore, you will always have the option of starting treatment when it'll most benefit your child. The important thing to bear in mind is that the end result of early interceptive treatment will be increased orthodontic stability and an attractive, well balanced face. The advantage of interceptive treatment for your youngster can be enormous. Following phase 1 or interceptive treatment your orthodontist will continue to monitor your child until the remaining permanent teeth erupt. Keep in mind that some children will require another stage of braces. Not all youngsters will need Phase II treatment but most orthodontists will tell you to expect it. It's also vital to point out: Phase II treatment is not considered re-treatment of previous corrections. Typically, a patient has roughly sixteen new adult teeth that will erupt into the mouth after Phase I treatment ends. This doesn't include the 3rd molars or wisdom teeth. It is very difficult to get a parent to realize the fact that their child sometimes requires "two sets of braces". However, early treatment can often eliminate or reduce the need to remove permanent teeth later on in Phase 2. Related Articles: When Should Kids See an Alpharetta Orthodontist About The Author: Dr. Matt Walton of Walton Orthodontics is a Board Certified Alpharetta Orthodontist and an Alpharetta Children's dentist braces specialist for children, teenagers and adults. He offers a complimentary exam and affordable orthodontic care to patients of North Fulton and Forsyth County Georgia including the communities of Windward, Johns Creek, Milton, Duluth, Cumming, Suwanee, Roswell and Norcross. Call 770-663-0955. Alternative brace-free treatment options using aligners are also available to correct simple crowding. |
Tags: ORTHODONTIST_DENTIST, CHILDREN, BRACES, TEETH, EVALUATION
