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FAQ's About Orthodontic Treatment
When is the best time to begin Early Treatment?
Age 7 is a good time for a first orthodontic appointment.
Orthodontic treatment can be started on certain types of tooth problems before all permanent teeth have erupted.
What are advantages of early treatment?
Early treatment...
- Moves the front teeth back so they will be less susceptible to injury
- Improves the relationship of upper and lower jaws, allowing more normal future development
- Uses maximum advantage of growth for successful treatment
- Improves facial appearance and self-esteem
- Takes advantages of the good cooperation of patients at this age
- May avoid or reduce the need for further treatment when patients are older
What are the phases of early treatment?
First Phase:
Treatment usually takes 12 to 18 months and a variety of appliances may be used to correct specific problems.
- Braces - Placed on the upper and sometimes lower permanent teeth
- Headgear - Worn to move the upper teeth back
- Rapid Palatal Expander - Worn to widen the upper jaw
- Face Mask - Worn to move the upper jaw forward
- Functional Appliance - A removable "retainer" worn to stimulate jaw growth
Maintenance Phase:
During the time between the first and second phase, the patient will be seen approximately two times per year.
Second Phase:
During the first phase the orthodontist has no control over 16 unerupted permanent teeth. If after they grow in, problems still exist, further treatment will be required. A separate fee will be quoted at that time. Treatment usually takes 12 to 24 months at age 12 to 13 years.