Early Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment is meant to help young children with baby teeth prevent improper growth and alignment of upcoming adult teeth. At Rockstar Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we specialize in all types of options for early treatment. The most common of these options include palatal expanders, partial braces, and retainers. The main goal of early examination and treatment is to find and fix any skeletal problems of the jaw and alignment before the permanent teeth appear.
Importance of Early Treatment & When to Get Started
Dr. Briana is our orthodontist with a specialization in the area of early orthodontic treatment in Washington, DC. The objective behind the treatment is to guide and manage the width of both the dental arches and to create enough space for the eruption of the permanent teeth. Children between the age of 2 and 6 make ideal candidates for examination when they have the following conditions
- Difficulty with proper bite
- Losing baby teeth early
- Bruxism
- Using mouth to breathe instead of the nose
During this phase, Drs. Stella and Briana will work with you and your child to review any habits considered harmful. This includes thumb sucking and excess pacifier use. We may also consider the use of a dental appliance for promoting jaw growth, holding space for permanent teeth, and/or preventing teeth shifting.
When to Seek Early Treatment Required?
Your child should start early treatment if the orthodontist has concerns with teeth alignment. The orthodontist will also check for the following issues:
- Malocclusion
- Narrow jaw
- Bite complications
- Protruding teeth
Some of the common bite problems include underbites, crossbites, excessively spaced teeth, and/or missing teeth. Phase I of orthodontic treatment helps pave the way for Phase II. It can help reduce the need for potential treatments such as braces or aligners in the future.
Benefits of Early Treatment
Some children show early signs of minor orthodontic abnormalities. Dr. Briana may choose to monitor such a situation over time. When a child shows severe orthodontic abnormalities, Early Treatment in Washington, DC can provide many benefits, including the following:
- Improvement in aesthetics and self-confidence levels
- Improved chances of well-aligned and spaced permanent teeth
- Improved chances of proper jaw development
- Reduced risk of tooth decay, childhood cavities, or periodontal disease
- Reduced risk of bruxism
There are many more benefits of seeking early treatment from our orthodontist. Dr. Briana provides early treatment to young children. She knows from experience the importance of preventing extensive orthodontic treatment in the future. She also specializes in helping her adolescent and adult patients get the beautiful smile they want. She has expertise in traditional braces, functional appliance therapy, and clear aligners. She understands the importance of having a beautiful smile and how it can boost self-confidence and self-esteem in patients of all ages.
