Early Treatment With Braces
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Preventative and/or early orthodontic treatment can greatly benefit your child in many ways, and at Greeley & Nista Orthodontics, we have treated many children: correctively guiding proper jaw development, assisting the eruption of permanent teeth, creating space in overcrowded mouths, correcting bite issues, and preventing oral trauma due to the emergence of uneven, crooked teeth.
An early evaluation with an orthodontist can help in three major ways:
- Identify significant jaw bone problems
- To discuss harmful habits such as thumbsucking and mouthbreathing
- To rule out unusual permanent tooth eruption problems
Common Early Orthodontic Issues
There are specific cases where early interceptive treatment may indeed be appropriate and beneficial. The kinds of problems shown below often benefit from early orthodontic treatment.
Malocclusions like those listed below may benefit from early diagnosis and referral to an orthodontic specialist for a full evaluation.
- Anterior crossbite
- Posterior crossbite
- Crowding
- Open bite
- Protrusion
- Improper tooth eruptions
- Issues caused by poor habits such as thumb-sucking
By paving the way for a perfect smile, we can help boost your child’s self-esteem in childhood, adolescence, and beyond. The confidence that comes with a great smile can be life-changing and priceless. Give us a call or contact us online to schedule an appointment so that we can fully analyze your child’s specific situation today.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces are a well-proven treatment for correcting misaligned teeth and/or jaws, and the process of having your braces put on is simple. First, a special orthodontic adhesive is used to bond the brackets to your teeth. Once the brackets are in place, a thin metal wire threads them together. This allows gradual pressure to be applied by tightening the wire throughout treatment. Adjustments are made every few weeks to balance the tension and correction to make the experience as effective and comfortable as possible.
We use the advanced Damon bracket system which does not require rubber bands. Instead, these brackets offer the benefits of specially designed clips to hold the archwires in place. This subtle change allows for more consistent pressure to be applied which can lead to faster treatment times. The smaller and more lightweight design also allows your child to clean around their brackets.
