NEW PATIENT INFORMATION

What Age Is Best

Your First Visit Common Bite Problems


Whenever possible we try to keep our patients in braces for the shortest time possible. That means that if possible, we will wait for all the permanent teeth to come in around age 12, provided that we can wait and still get a beautiful end result. There are times however when two-phase treatment, sometimes called "Interceptive Treatment," may be necessary for younger patients to allow for proper dentofacial development as well as proper tooth positioning. When this is the case, the first phase of care is called "Phase I Treatment" and is done when some of the baby teeth are still present. Phase I treatment generally requires later treatment with full braces, typically when all the permanent teeth have come in. Because there are problems that are best treated before all the permanent teeth erupt, it is very important we begin the evaluation process around 7 years old. Multiple phase treatment will only be recommended when it is beneficial to the patient, and the reasons and options will be thoroughly reviewed with you.

 Why screen by age 7?

The posterior occlusion is established when the first molars erupt. At that time, one can evaluate the antero-posterior and transverse relationships of the occlusion, as well as discover any functional shifts.
Incisors have begun to erupt and problems can be detected such as crowding, habits, deep bites, open bites and some facial asymmetries.
For some, a timely screening will lead to significant treatment benefits; for most, the principal immediate benefit is a parent's peace of mind.
The dentist who makes timely referrals is rightly regarded as informed, caring and concerned for the total well being of the patient.

The benefits of early treatment

For those patients who have clear indications for early intervention, early treatment presents the opportunity to:

  • Influence jaw growth in a positive manner.
  • Harmonize width of the dental arches.
  • Improve eruption patterns.
  • Lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors.
  • Correct harmful oral habits.
  • Improve aesthetics and self-esteem.
  • Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics.
  • Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth.
  • Improve some speech problems.
  • Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth.

For the American Association of Orthodontists
Recommendation for Early Orthodontic Screening
click on the Logo

Adult treatment

Most adults can receive orthodontic treatment without any difficulty. In our practice, approximately half of our patients are adults and about half of them choose treatment. With adults there are times when we occasionally require the help of an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. These are situations where the alignment of the supporting bones is such that we can not bring the teeth together without first moving the bones into a more balanced arrangement. Fortunately this is fairly rare and when it is necessary we have some of the best surgeons in the world here in Charlotte to help us.

Your First Visit Common Bite Problems

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