PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTIST ENCINITAS AND MIRA MESA CA
Nurturing Beautiful Young Smiles
An estimated 10 to 15% of children could benefit from early interceptive treatment.
The first permanent molars typically erupt between the ages of six and seven.
The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends your childās first orthodontic appointment by age seven!
Consulting a Pediatric Orthodontist
Early Warning Signs
- Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth: Timely loss of baby teeth is crucial for the proper emergence of permanent ones. Any deviations from the expected timeline may warrant orthodontic attention.
- Difficulty Chewing or Biting: While some discomfort is normal during teething, persistent issues with chewing or biting may indicate underlying orthodontic problems.Ā
- Mouth Breathing: Orthodontists can address potential issues that may arise from chronic mouth breathing, ensuring proper oral development.
- Jaws Shifting or Clicking: Irregularities in jaw movement can lead to discomfort and dental consequences, and a pediatric orthodontist can help identify and address these issues.
- Crowded Front Teeth Around Age Seven or Eight: Early signs of crowding may become apparent, and proactive orthodontic measures can help manage them.Ā
- Cheek Biting: Abnormal biting patterns, such as consistent cheek biting, may be indicative of orthodontic conditions that need professional evaluation.
- Facial imbalance: Underlying orthodontic problems may have an impact on the way your lips, chin, and other facial features look.Ā
- Speech Impediments: Difficulty in articulating certain sounds may be related to orthodontic concerns, and early intervention can contribute to improved speech development.
- Protruding Teeth: Teeth that noticeably protrude may indicate bite irregularities, and consulting a pediatric orthodontist can address these concerns before they progress.
Introducing Two-Phase Treatment
- Phase One: Setting the Foundation
- Resting Period
- Phase Two: Fine-Tuning the Smile
Around the age of eight or nine, Phase One begins. This initial stage may involve braces, fixed appliances, removable appliances, or a combination tailored to your child's specific requirements. Lasting approximately 10-14 months, Phase One aims to create a pathway for the emergence of permanent teeth.
After the completion of Phase One, a resting period follows. This allows your child's remaining permanent teeth to grow naturally into the newly created space. During this time, our team monitors progress closely, ensuring optimal conditions for the next phase of treatment.
The second phase typically commences during the preteen years, around ages 11-12. Lasting between 12-20 months, Phase Two focuses on further refining your child's smile using appliances that support natural development. This comprehensive approach ensures that your child's teeth align correctly, promoting both aesthetic appeal and functional harmony.
The Two-Phase Treatment Advantages
- Early Intervention: Addressing orthodontic concerns early minimizes the risk of complex issues later in life.
- Optimal Growth Guidance: Guiding natural growth patterns promotes a harmonious development of your child’s smile.
- Reduced Treatment Time: By starting early, the overall treatment time can be reduced, leading to quicker and more efficient results.
How Early Interceptive Orthodontics Work
- Diagnosis
- Growth and Development
- Retainers and Supervision
Comprehensive Treatment Options for Kids
PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTIST ENCINITAS AND MIRA MESA CA
- 1. Braces
- 2. Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
- 3. Retainers
- 4. Specialized Appliances
- Space Maintainers: Preserving gaps for permanent teeth, space maintainers are crucial in preventing misalignments due to premature tooth loss.
- Palatal Expanders: These appliances aid in correcting issues related to narrow dental arches by gradually widening the upper jaw.
- Headgear: Addressing overbite or underbite, headgear provides additional external force to guide jaw growth and tooth alignment.
- Functional Appliances: Designed to influence jaw growth, functional appliances assist in correcting bite irregularities and promoting proper oral function.
The First Exam - Five Essential Questions
During the first exam, we address five essential questions:
- Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
- What are the options to correct the problem?
- Is there a possibility that teeth will need to be removed?
- How long is the recommended treatment expected to take?
- What will be the cost of the recommended treatment?
Frequently Asked Questions
READY TO IMPROVE
YOUR CHILDāS SMILE?
Our pediatric orthodontist Encinitas and Mira Mesa CA is always available to help your family with their orthodontic needs.
READY TO IMPROVE YOUR CHILDāS SMILE?
Our pediatric orthodontist Encinitas and Mira Mesa CA is always available to help your family with their orthodontic needs.