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Early Treatment
Orthodontics
We use early interceptive orthodontic
treatments to guide the upper and/ or lower jaw growth to
ensure adequate space is available for the eruption of all
permanent teeth. Treatment begins when the child has
few or no permanent teeth present. We suggest children
be assessed by four years of age to determine if there is
a bone (orthopedic) or tooth (orthodontic) problem.
A special appliance called a
functional jaw orthopedic appliance is used to correct certain
problems such as underdeveloped lower jaw or a narrow upper
jaw. We can also correct minor tooth crowding if it
appears the proper eruption of permanent teeth will be hindered.
Correction problems like these are always less expensive
when completed at an early age.
Early treatment benefits:
*Improved speech
*Removes airway constriction
*Increased nasal breathing
*Eliminates nighttime clenching and grinding
*Prevents earaches and headaches
*Developed arches with functional appliances
*Reduces time for wear of fixed braces and eliminates need
for permanent teeth extraction
*Corrects habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
*Improves self-esteem, smile and profiles
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