If your child needs orthodontic treatment, your Great River orthodontist will advise you on all available options that meet your needs and goals. Orthodontic treatment can usually be successfully completed in a single phase that begins after age nine, when the permanent teeth have emerged. If early corrections are needed, the orthodontist can offer a two-phase treatment option. With proper diagnosis and planning, orthodontic treatment can be easier, more comfortable and shorter in duration.
We treat most cases in 18 months or less, except for the most complex cases. On the other hand, a bad time can lead to prolonged treatment (more than 2 years) with a negative experience and unsatisfactory results. While there are many orthodontic problems that orthodontists agree are best treated after all of the permanent teeth have come out, early treatment may be best for the patient if their problem may worsen over time if left untreated. If the child is ready to wear braces, the orthodontist will establish a treatment plan and review it with you, the caregiver.
Early orthodontic treatment is one of the controversial topics in orthodontics, so it's important to understand why treatment is recommended and if additional orthodontic treatment is needed in the future or not. Some of these orthodontic problems are inherited, while others may be the result of accidents, dental diseases, or abnormal swallowing. The orthodontist can explain that they still have teeth left to come out or wait for them to grow more in their mouths. Most children would benefit from a round of comprehensive orthodontic treatment rather than the two-phase approach. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends orthodontic screening and evaluation for all children age 7 and older. At age 7, your child will most likely have a combination of primary and permanent teeth, so it's the ideal time for that first orthodontic exam.
While treatment is most common between ages 9 and 14, when permanent teeth are already emerging, some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age. Without treatment, orthodontic problems can cause tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, and difficulty chewing and digesting. Monophasic treatment often eliminates additional years of treatment, additional costs, and visits to the orthodontist. When it comes to deciding when is the best time for your child to receive orthodontic treatment, it's important to understand all available options. Your Great River orthodontist will be able to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your child's care. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic exam no later than age 7.This is because at this age they will most likely have a combination of primary and permanent teeth which makes it an ideal time for that first exam.
If early corrections are needed then a two-phase approach may be recommended by your Great River orthodontist. This approach may be beneficial if your child's problem may worsen over time if left untreated. It's important to understand why treatment is recommended and if additional orthodontic treatment is needed in the future or not. Most cases can be successfully completed in 18 months or less with proper diagnosis and planning.
However, a bad time can lead to prolonged treatment (more than 2 years) with a negative experience and unsatisfactory results. Monophasic treatment eliminates additional years of treatment, additional costs, and visits to the orthodontist which makes it an attractive option for many parents. Ultimately it's important to discuss all available options with your Great River orthodontist so you can make an informed decision about your child's care.
