AGES 3-6
Deciduous (Baby) Teeth
In this very important stage, your child's doctor is concerned with much more than the
condition of your child's teeth. The doctor is interested in the position and symmetry of
the jaws, future growth, spacing of the teeth, breathing and other oral habits which may,
over a period of time, result in abnormal dentofacial development.
Should the doctor determine that your child may benefit from interceptive therapy,
some of the common corrective procedures that are done in this stage include:
1. Orthopedic changes with removable or fixed appliances.
2.
Dental or space maintenance with removable or fixed appliances.
3. Behavior modification for oral habits.
4. Referral to a pediatrician for tonsil or adenoid problems.
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 2:
INTERCEPTION/CORRECTION
AGES 7-9
During this second stage of development one of the key interests will be your child's occlusion, or, how the upper and lower jaws match now, and how they will match with future growth. The doctor may also have some concern over the future available space for all the teeth, especially the eye teeth.
If the doctor determines that some treatment is required, some of the common procedures that take place in the second stage are:
1. Orthodontic correction with removable or fixed appliances.
2. Guidance of eruption of permanent teeth with removable of fixed appliances.
3. Development of narrow arches.
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. A successful outcome to treatment is dependent on cooperation between the doctor, patient and parent.
AGES 10 AND OVER
In the third stage of development, the doctor will be looking at how your child's teeth and jaws fit, and more specifically work, together. Attention will be given to the jaw joint, (TMJ), the facial profile and periodontal tissues.
Often, in this stage, treatment involves:
1. Straightening teeth and correcting the occlusion through conventional orthodontics.
2. Alignment of the jaws and joints for healthy function.
3. Positioning of the teeth for improved esthetics so the dentition supports and is in harmony with the profile at maturity.
Children in this stage are often self-conscious about their appearance. Many of the appliances that are now being used in orthodontics are very small, some are even invisible. All, however, require cooperation from the patient. As a parent, you are encouraged to get involved to help your child achieve the finest possible result. Your doctor, together with available state-of-the-art science and technology, is now able to maintain all your teeth and pleasant smile for a lifetime.
No one wants to have crooked teeth or a funny looking smile. So you're lucky if you'll be getting braces now. You're at just the right age for braces. When you're young, your teeth, jaws, and chewing muscles are still growing, so it's easier for your Orthodontist to correct them. Your Orthodontist will answer any questions you may have. Your parents can help, too.
Braces straighten out crooked teeth and help your jaws and chewing muscles grow into a good bite. Your smile and profile look better and your teeth stay healthier. By wearing braces while you're young, you may not have to wear them as long later, as a teenager. Orthodontics (also called dentofacial orthopedics) gives you a head start on your winning smile.
X-rays show your head, face jaw bones, and all of your
teeth. These are used to measure your teeth and jaw and
plan your treatment.
Impressions are taken by biting into material that later
hardens. These are made into models that show how your
teeth and jaws fit together.
Photos of your profile, face, and teeth are taken before
your treatment. You can look forward to seeing pictures
of your new smile after braces.
Sure, you want to look your best. So how do braces help? They do more than just improve your smile. They also help your teeth and jaws fit together better. You can look good with your braces on, too. So don't worry about getting braces. You're going to have a great new smile.
Today's braces aren't like the ones your parents had. These days you can get colored ties and elastics that make your braces look blue, red, green, purple, pink-almost any color you want! You can even mix and match. So speak with your Orthodontist about what's available. And be proud to show off your new look! Ask your Orthodontist about Teen Invisalign - the Clear Alternative to Braces, and visit their website for more information!
You may have heard lots of confusing things about braces. But wearing them doesn't have to be a big deal. Here are some straight answers to some common questions.
Can't I just get a Retainer?
Retainers don't work the same way braces do. Retainers
are best for holding your teeth in place once your braces
come off. How long do I have to wear Braces?
A lot depends on you. The better you take care of your teeth and braces, the sooner you'll be able to get your braces off.
Do Braces Hurt?
Your teeth might be a little sore after your braces are adjusted. But most of the time, you probably won't even notice the braces are there.
