• What is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment?

Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age.

Stage I – Early Treatment: This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to 6 years. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. 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 II – Mixed Dentition: This period covers the ages of 6 to 12 years, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment concerns deal with jaw malrelationships and dental realignment problems. 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.

Stage III – Adolescent Dentition: This stage deals with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship.

• What causes crowding and spacing of teeth?

The alignments of teeth are often genetically determined. The child inherits the tooth size from one parent and the jaw size from the other parent. This may cause a discrepancy in the jaw and tooth size and lead to spacing or crowding of teeth. Orthodontic problems can also be caused by habits that apply forces on the developing dentition such as thumb sucking and finger sucking. Early loss of baby teeth can cause drifting of the adjacent teeth and prevent the permanent teeth to take the normal path of eruption and causing crowding and collapsed jaws.

Your pediatric dentist can help your child avoid oral habits that may create orthodontic problems.

• Why is early orthodontic care important? Why cannot I wait till all the permanent teeth have erupted?

Pediatric orthodontics can straighten crooked teeth, guide erupting teeth into position, correct bite problems, even prevent the need for tooth extractions if treatment is started at an early age. If your child has collapsed or narrow jaws, jaw expansion can be easily accomplished and help prevent extensive surgeries in future. Moreover, straight teeth are easier to keep clean and less susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

• What are the different types of braces available?

Braces, also called fixed orthodontic appliances, generally come in three varieties:

Brackets, metal or plastic, clear or tooth-colored, that is bonded to teeth, Lingual-type brackets that attach to the back of teeth, hidden from view, and Bands that cover most of the teeth with metal bands that wrap around the teeth. All three types use wires to move the teeth to the desired position.

• What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is proven technology designed to give you the smile you’ve always wanted, without the pain and anxiety associated with metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth. You wear a set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss. As you replace each set of aligners with the next in the series, your teeth will gradually move until they reach the position your doctor has prescribed for you. The average treatment time is about a year. Contact your Orthodontist to find out if Invisalign is an option for you.

• What care is recommended during orthodontic treatment?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the key for successful orthodontic treatment. Brush your teeth carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, as food becomes easily lodged in the braces. Floss daily between the teeth and the braces. Maintain every 6 month cleanings by an oral health professional. Limit your sugar and starch intake, as debris left behind from these types of foods may turn into damaging acids, which, in addition to promoting plaque formation, may also be harmful to teeth and gums. Avoid hard and/or sticky snacks that may be difficult to remove from the orthodontic equipment in your mouth. This includes foods such as popcorn, hard or chew candy, caramel, and/or nuts.

Promptly contact with your pediatric dentist when an appliance breaks to keep orthodontic treatment on-time and on-track.