Treatment
When To Have An Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation at the age of seven. At this age the permanent first molars have erupted into the mouth as well as the upper and lower central incisors. This stage of tooth development allows Dr. Randall to evaluate the bite, spacing vs crowding and jaw development.
Recommendations for future treatment can be made at this time and in some instances early, preventative treatment may be necessary.
When To Start Treatment
The best time to start treatment is determined on a case by case basis by Dr. Randall and your family dentist. Every child will lose all of their “baby” teeth and get their permanent teeth at their own genetic pace. However, the most common time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment is between the ages of 11-13. The exception would be those patients that require interceptive treatment between the ages of 7-10.
Advantages Of Interceptive Treatment
- Prevention of damage and/or trauma to protruded “buck” teeth.
- Increased self-esteem
- Prevention of permanent tooth extractions.
- Correction of bite problems that can cause asymmetric jaw growth.
- Prevention of jaw surgery by correcting jaw imbalances.
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Call today to set up your free one-on-one consultation with Dr. Randall. We want to help you smile with confidence!
Examples of Treatment
Every child develops at their own pace and as you can see from the before and after pictures above sometimes a child may need early orthodontic treatment in Idaho Falls as young as nine. Conversely, not all children will need braces this young and may be able to wait until they are a little older or may even never require orthodontic treatment to fix their smile. Below we will discuss why early evaluation is important and the benefits it can provide along with the various braces options Randall Orthodontics offers for children and younger patients.
Contact Randall Orthodontics today if you’d like to schedule a consultation or need to make an early orthodontic treatment evaluation in Idaho Falls for your child.
Why Is Early Evaluation So Important?
As previously mentioned The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get their first evaluation from a certified children’s orthodontics specialist in Idaho Falls around the age of 7. At this time, your child’s adult teeth will have started to come in. At this stage of development, your orthodontist will be able to catch potential issues such as abnormal jaw development, malocclusion, cross-bite, narrow jaw, overcrowding vs. spacing, etc. These types of orthodontic issues can hamper normal bite and tooth development which could result in a crooked smile, damaged teeth, or a “bad” bite. If any of the previous issues are identified by your Idaho Falls orthodontist, he or she may recommend partial braces, full braces or even a type of retainer depending on the severity of the dental issue.
It’s beneficial to the child’s orthodontic health if any dental issues are caught early on while the bones are still growing. For example, before early orthodontics treatment in Idaho Falls or what is also known as interceptive orthodontics was popular, if a person’s teeth were overcrowded, the orthodontist would solve this by removing a few of the permanent teeth in order to fit the rest of teeth together correctly. Now with interceptive orthodontics, orthodontists can take advantage of the growing bones to position the teeth properly at a younger age without removing any permanent teeth.
Will Early Orthodontic Treatment in Idaho Falls Solve My Child’s Dental Issues?
It is important to note that even if your child does require early orthodontic treatment, they may still need braces or another type of orthodontic treatment later in life. However, if they do participate in a children’s orthodontic treatment in Idaho Falls early on, they most likely will not have to wear braces as long as someone who didn’t have previous treatment. The most common dental maladies that require interceptive orthodontics include cross bites and protruding front teeth.
Types of Children’s Orthodontic Treatments in Idaho Falls
There are many orthodontic solutions to treat dental issues at an early age. From braces to retainers and everything in between, depending on your child’s needs will determine the treatment plan your orthodontist recommends. In some cases, a baby tooth may need to be removed in order to help the permanent teeth erupt into the desired position. Whatever the case, contact Randall Orthodontics to schedule a consultation about what treatment option will be the best for your child. The goal at Randall Orthodontics is to utilize this stage of development in the most advantageous way. The point of early orthodontic treatment is to reduce treatment time not extend it, so you can rest assured that all treatment plans will be performed during the most favorable conditions.
If your child does require braces, he or she will be able to choose from the following options, as long as they have been approved by your early children’s orthodontist in Idaho Falls.
- Traditional (Metal Braces) – This is the type of braces that many of us envision when discussing braces. Using two main components, wires and brackets, traditional braces move teeth by applying pressure. Traditional braces are usually the most affordable type of braces and can be used to treat both simple and complex dental issues.
- Self-Ligating Braces (The Damon System) – Self-ligating braces are designed to move the teeth in the same way that traditional braces do with wires and brackets. However, these braces use clips to hold the wire in place rather than the rubber band tie system. Self-ligating braces are designed to work faster than traditional braces and are said to be less painful than other types of braces currently available.
- Ceramic Braces – Ceramic braces are another common type of braces that many teenagers and children like to use since they are the same color as the teeth, thus making them less noticeable than traditional braces. Ceramic braces work exactly the same way as metal braces, the only difference is that they are less noticeable and can be a little more expensive than traditional metal braces.
- Clear Aligners – These “clear braces” in Idaho Falls work to straighten the teeth by using customized clear trays that have been created using the patients teeth and x-rays. These trays are work as a system that slowly moves the teeth into position without the need for brackets and wires. Clear aligners or invisible aligners can be taken off while eating and brushing teeth.
If you’re child is seven or older and has yet to have receive an early orthodontic evaluation in Idaho Falls, call Randall Orthodontics today to make an appointment at your earliest convenience.
Request A Free Consultation
Call today to set up your free one-on-one consultation with Dr. Randall. We want to help you smile with confidence!
