For Children
Complete Orthodontic Care For Children
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that orthodontists evaluate children by age 7. At this age, the first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in, therefore cross bites, crowding, and other problems can be diagnosed.
Orthodontics at Cayman Dental Services offers early orthodontic treatment for children to guide the growth of the jaw, which helps to:
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions
- Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Correct thumb-sucking
- Eliminate abnormal swallowing
Simply put, early orthodontic treatment can simplify later treatment after the permanent teeth come in.
Observation Program
We place patients in our Observation Program if they are not ready for treatment. Our office then observes them in our office every 8 to 12 months. Additionally, the Observation Program also helps us build a relationship with your child and determine the optimum time to begin treatment to achieve the best possible result.
We observe their progress as they grow and make sure permanent teeth erupt in correct position. In some cases, early removal of baby teeth can eliminate poor permanent teeth patterns and reduce the treatment time required for braces. We will also notify your general dentist of recommendations made during any Observation visits.
Does early orthodontic treatment prevent the need for braces when permanent teeth come in?
Typically, no. Early orthodontic treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent more severe problems from developing, and simplify future treatment. Generally, a shorter phase of treatment in the teen years, after all permanent teeth have come in, completes the correction. In some circumstances, patients don’t need braces after early orthodontic treatment.
Two-Phase Treatment
Patients participate in two-phase treatment before all their permanent teeth erupt . This process encompasses tooth straightening and physical facial changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.
In the first phase, we typically recommend appliances like a palatial expander or partial braces to make more space for developing teeth and to correct crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits.
Finally, the second phase of treatment involves the application of full braces once all permanent teeth have erupted, which typically occurs between the ages of eleven and thirteen. Females’ permanent teeth normally come in one year earlier than males’ permanent teeth.