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All
Ages
Early Treatment
Based on our experience and the recommendation from the American Association of Orthodontists, we advise children receive their first orthodontist screening by age 7. By seeing a child early, we can recognize potential problems and correct them before they cause damage or become more serious. DON’T STRESS Mom and Dad! Most kids do not need any early treatment and we will see them every 1 to 2 years to monitor growth and development until the permanent teeth erupt. For those that would benefit from early intervention, there are a variety of treatment techniques besides braces.
Early orthodontic treatment is highly effective because younger children’s jaws and bone structures have not fully formed. This advantage allows us to guide and influence jaw growth to prevent major procedures in the future, such as jaw surgery or the extraction of permanent teeth. Early treatment is usually only 6-15 months.
The most common types of early treatment may include removable or fixed appliances that can:
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Improve facial symmetry and harmony by positively influencing jaw growth
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Increase jaw size to make room for crowded teeth
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Hold space for unerupted teeth
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Reduce the possibility of tooth extractions
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Reduce the need or complexity of comprehensive orthodontic treatment
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Stop oral habits such as thumb sucking
Adolescent Treatment
We are here to provide exceptional care to your teen during these pivotal years. The most common time for orthodontic treatment is between the ages of 11 and 14 when all the permanent teeth erupt. We can also take advantage of growth spurts at this age to improve a patient’s bite. Many of your teenager’s friends will be in orthodontic treatment during this time, so it is a good time to experience orthodontics together.
We provide a variety of options for adolescent treatment including metal braces, clear braces and aligners. We will review treatment options at the new patient consult and advise if braces or aligners would be best for your case. Most patients can choose!
Your teen’s GORGEOUS smile can stay that way for their entire life with good oral hygiene, regular dental visits and wearing their retainers as instructed!
Adult Treatment
With clear braces and aligners, more and more adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment! This can drastically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem, as well as improve your dental health. If you are experiencing gum or bone loss, abnormal wear, jaw pain or headaches, this may be a result of crooked teeth or a bad bite.
Improvements in technology have made orthodontic treatment more convenient, comfortable and esthetic. Our adults are usually pleasantly surprised by their experience, especially the ones that had treatment as a child.
We love treating adults and it is a big part of our practice. Adults are most appreciative of their healthy and beautiful smile since it is usually something they have thought about for a long time!
2 Phase Treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process for certain cases that pairs early and adolescent treatment. A customized plan is created and modified over the years to provide the best results.
Phase 1 treatment is completed to create space for permanent teeth and improve the bite. Early treatment can prevent permanent tooth damage and can reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions and jaw surgery later in life. Phase 1 treatment is usually 6 to 15 months.
In the resting period, we monitor eruption of the permanent teeth with periodic checks.
Phase 2 treatment is completed when all permanent teeth erupt with braces or aligners. We align teeth, improve the bite and achieve optimal smile esthetics.
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