PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTIST ENCINITAS AND MIRA MESA CA
Nurturing Beautiful Young Smiles
At Phillips Family Orthodontics, we understand the importance of your child’s smile and oral health. Our family orthodontic team specializes in pediatric care, addressing dental alignment issues in young patients. We focus on proactively preventing and addressing potential issues early on to ensure the proper development of your child’s teeth and jaws.
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An estimated 10 to 15% of children could benefit from early interceptive treatment.
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The first permanent molars typically erupt between the ages of six and seven.
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The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends your child’s first orthodontic appointment by age seven!
Consulting a Pediatric Orthodontist
Most of the time, early intervention is key. If your child experiences early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, or other signs, they can benefit from early orthodontic care. Our goal at Phillips Family Orthodontics is to identify these issues early on and take proactive measures to guide the growth of their smile.
Early Warning Signs
It’s essential to be vigilant about your child’s oral health, as certain signs may indicate the need for orthodontic intervention. If any of the following warning signs are present, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatric orthodontist:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Understanding that every child’s smile journey is unique, Phillips Family Orthodontics offers a specialized approach known as Two-Phase Treatment. This strategy involves addressing orthodontic needs in two distinct stages, maximizing the effectiveness of care and ensuring a lasting, healthy smile for your child.
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
Comprehensive Treatment Options for Kids
PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTIST ENCINITAS AND MIRA MESA CA
At Phillips Family Orthodontics, we offer a diverse range of treatment options to ensure a personalized and effective approach. During the initial consultation, our orthodontist will recommend the best type of treatment for your child.
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?