Your child’s dental development requires dedicated attention to ensure proper progression. In some cases, children need additional support to make sure their teeth are guided into place as they grow older. Offering many benefits to their wearers, interceptive or phase one braces are a possible treatment in the case where the bite needs adjustment. You may have many questions regarding early braces treatment, which this guide can answer. To have your questions addressed fully, please call Dr. Clemmons.
When Do Orthodontic Issues Arise?
While adult teeth enter their final stages of development in the teen years, severe issues can be detected in children as young as six. Typically, children should have their first orthodontic exam from ages seven to 11, which is also when early care is introduced. This is the proper time to correct severe or moderate malocclusion, which includes a range of bite and teeth spacing issues.
Why Would My Child Require Interceptive Care?
This treatment protects your child’s dental and oral health for their lifetime. With a properly-aligned smile, young patients can avoid teeth grinding and keep proper dental hygiene. This kind of care is preventive, laying a foundation for a better smile in the future. In some cases, phase one appliances and braces can eliminate your child’s need for full braces in their teens. At the very least, it will improve the speed and efficacy of this second round, which can lower the cost of treatment. Your child will also enjoy an improved look to their smile when they enter their teens, which is a time when positive self-esteem is crucial.
What Treatments Are Available?
Options for early orthodontics include a variety of appliances to address various issues. For small jaws, palatal expanders or headgear can be used, depending on the severity of the case. Crowding is treated with space maintainers or retainers, which minimizes cosmetic interruption. In the case of crossbite or overbite, a short-term set of traditional braces will set their bite back in place.Contact Our Fort Smith Office for your Child’s Orthodontic Treatment
Dr. Ward Clemmons provides interceptive care for children in Fort Smith. We perform thorough examinations and provide detailed treatment plans, informing parents of their best options. You can trust our compassionate and family-friendly team with your child’s care, for we have their best interest in mind.