Early Treatment
How Can Early Treatment Set Up a Foundation for Success?
Early treatment (interceptive) orthodontics can make a world of difference in your child’s dental health, smile, and confidence! The best choice you can make as a parent is to schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation when they are 7 years old. While the evaluation won’t always result in orthodontic treatment, it will educate you on what concerns you may encounter in the future. Early orthodontic treatment can do more than just straighten your child’s misaligned teeth—you are giving them a boost of confidence and setting them up for a successful future and beautiful smile!
Why is Early Treatment so Effective?
- Growing bones are more flexible at a younger age
- The alignment can be simpler, more efficient and less painful
- Can minimize the need for complicated treatments later in life
- Allows for the doctor to detect any early issues and concerns
- Creates space for crowded teeth (reduces need for extractions)
- Reduces the length of treatment time
Orthodontic treatment is an effective and efficient method of straightening teeth for children from early childhood through adolescence and gives your child the gift of a healthy bite and a beautiful smile. Obtaining an orthodontic assessment before a child’s seventh birthday, as well as maintaining regular follow-up visits and following all home care instructions during treatment, can help them achieve a lifetime of proper oral development, straight teeth, and healthy smiles.
What are the Most Common Dental Development Problems?
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
The upper teeth are too far forward or the lower teeth are too far back. This not only affects the appearance of your smile it can also affect the function of your bite.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper teeth extend over the bottom, in some cases causing the lower teeth to hit and or bite through the roof of the mouth.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when the bottom teeth stick out past the top teeth, either in the front teeth or the back teeth which can cause the jaw growth to become misaligned.
Openbite
With an open bite, the upper and lower teeth do not make contact in the front or back of the mouth, even when the jaw is shut.This can prevent the ability to chew properly and can also promote unwanted side effects such as tongue thrusting.
Crowding
Crowding happens when the teeth do not have adequate room to erupt from the gums. This is something that can often be addressed early on to avoid tooth removal.
Spacing
Spacing - or gaps between the teeth can be caused by protrusive teeth, missing teeth, impacted teeth or abnormal tissue attachments to the gums. Spacing can also result in problems with the gums and prevent a proper bite.
Dental Midlines not Matched (Misplaced Midline)
The dental midlines of your upper and lower teeth should align with the middle of your face. As well as affecting the jaw, a misplaced midline can cause issues with the back teeth and negatively impact your bite. It can also impede proper dental function.
Teamwork. Helping Your Teen Navigate their Orthodontic Journey.
Orthodontic treatment is not a quick fix. Orthodontic care often starts with a thorough examination of the teeth and mouth, and a thorough review of dental records such as x-rays, photos and models of the teeth. With the extensive results gleaned from this detailed information Dr. Wolfgramm will develop a customized treatment plan. With good oral care, including orthodontic treatment when necessary, healthy, beautiful teeth can last a lifetime and when you work together with your orthodontist, treatment can yield life-enhancing results including better function (biting, chewing, speaking), improved appearance, and boosted self-esteem.
Orthodontics can also help improve you child’s health. When the teeth are not aligned properly, it can be challenging to clean them thoroughly, which can led to decay, gum disease, tooth erosion, jaw pain, and even jaw disorders. We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen! Once your child begins their orthodontic journey, keep your scheduled appointments, advise your orthodontist of problems that may crop up between visits, be mindful of what your child eats and drinks (avoid sugary drinks), and brush and floss as instructed by your orthodontist and your child will have a smile that will improve their oral health and confidence for years to come.
