The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation at age seven. With early diagnosis, an orthodontist can guide facial growth, help control harmful habits, and coordinate tooth eruption to help prevent more serious problems from developing. The average age for full braces is 12 years old—usually a little earlier for girls and later for boys.

First Phase Treatment

The goal of first phase treatment is to save space in the dental arches for all permanent teeth to erupt and to properly relate the upper and lower jaw to each other. The type of treatment is determined by each child's orthodontic problem. The severity of the problem will determine the type of appliances to be used and the length of treatment. Left untreated, some conditions may not be treatable with braces alone and can result in later removal of permanent teeth, impaction, severe displacements of teeth, even jaw surgery.

Check Eruption Phase (rest period)

Between the first and second phase treatment, retainers are used to maintain the results and reduce relapse. During the rest period we will continue to monitor the eruption of the permanent teeth. While the first phase treatment strives to allow permanent teeth to erupt into their correct positions, there are as many as 16 permanent teeth that have not come in and over which we have no control, making the "check eruption" appointment extremely important.

Second Phase Treatment

The goal of the second phase is to straighten the permanent teeth and perfect the bite so that future jaw development is normal. As with first phase, the severity of the case and patient compliance will determine the length of treatment. Second phase treatment normally involves the use of braces and usually takes roughly 12 to 18 months. When teeth, jaws, lips, cheeks, and tongue are in harmony, the result is a healthy smile.

Below is a list of problems that orthodontic treatment would benefit:

• Overbite: Deep bite: A deep bite can trap the lower jaw and limit its growth. Open bite: An open bite can be an indication of a habit (ie. thumb sucking) or a deviation in growth—both of which will benefit from early orthodontic treatment.
• Overjet: If the upper teeth are protruding excessively, they are highly susceptible to trauma from a fall.
• Crossbite: Crossbites can cause the patient to hold the lower jaw in an unusual position, leading to asymmetric growth. If treated early, growth can resume to normal, without treatment, the bite will be much more difficult to treat.
• Narrow upper jaw: Widening the upper jaw can help nasal breathing, minimize crowding, and reduce the need to extract teeth.
• Habits: Mouth breathing, Tongue thrust, Grinding, Thumb sucking.
• Crowding: Dr. Don uses the newest technology and mechanics to reduce the need for extractions. However, each patient is unique and certain patients do not have enough room to fit all of the teeth. In cases needing extractions, Dr. Don will help coordinate tooth eruption and extractions to help reduce the amount of crowding.

Dr. Don and his team pride themselves on individualized care. Patients and parents will be educated on the orthodontic treatment each step of the way.