Ortho-Pro.com - DR. STANGL & ASSOCIATES

How do I know if my child needs orthodontic treatment?

It is often difficult for a parent to determine if treatment is indicated. There may be serious orthodontic problems even though the front teeth look straight. Some problems that look intimidating and complex are easily treated. Asking your general dentist is a good place to start, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do.

What are some early signs of orthodontic problems?

The following suggestions may be helpful.

Look at your child’s teeth. If you see crooked teeth, gaps between the teeth or overlapped teeth, your child may need orthodontic treatment. Especially look at the gingiva (gums) and the roots of the lower front teeth. If these are thin or receded, an orthodontic check up is strongly indicated.

Ask your child to bite all the way down, keeping their lips open. Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom? Do the top teeth protrude out away from the bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50% of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth? If you see any of these conditions an orthodontist should evaluate your child.

Look at the alignment of your child's jaw. Does the jaw shift off center when your child bites down? If you see any mal-alignment or shifting of the jaw, your child may have a skeletal problem. Does your child have a short lower jaw with receded chin? This is an important early indication for a Twin Block appliance to get maximum growth guidance while the body is still developing. Many times an early Twin Block appliance prevents the need for painful headgear later and results in a much better facial profile.

Other common signs include:

Early or late loss of primary teeth
Difficulty in chewing or biting
Mouth breathing
Finger or thumb sucking habits beyond age 5
Speech difficulty
Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
Protruding teeth
Teeth that don’t seem to meet in a normal matter, or don’t meet at all

These are only some of the more obvious signs. Other signs may be much more subtle and require a trained professional to detect.

When should an orthodontist see my child?

All children should receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child’s physician. An early evaluation allows us to determine when a child’s particular problem should be treated. In many patients, early treatment provides results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Will growth allow "self correction" of crowded teeth or bite problems?

Generally not, the jaws grow in the back to allow for eruption of the 12-year molars and wisdom teeth, but not in the front. In most children the amount of available space DECREASES as the permanent teeth erupt.

Either in children or adults, untreated orthodontic problems usually become worse. Orthodontic treatment is often less expensive than the additional dental care needed to treat serious problems that often develop later in life.

Can you be too old for braces?

No. Age is not a factor, any adult in good general health with a healthy gums and supporting bone is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment. About 20% of our orthodontic patients are adults and that number is still growing!

Will it hurt?

Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth sore for a day or 2 after they are placed or adjusted, but it is not "painful". Today's braces are smaller and more comfortable. High tech wires move the teeth more efficiently and with less discomfort.

Our office offers an option of 9-12 months bone deveoping and reshaping appliances, followed by about 1/2 of the usual time in fixed braces.

Can I still have braces if I have missing teeth?

Yes. When teeth are missing adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space. This often causes functional, esthetic or periodontal problems. Orthodontic treatment can close the space or provide proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth.

What are the benefits of Orthodontic treatment?

Having straight teeth that fit together properly improves function. Your teeth and jaw joints can work more efficiently.
Straight teeth are easier to clean.
Should you ever need a filling, crown or bridge, you dentist can usually do a better job if the teeth are properly aligned.
The appearance of the smile and face are improved. Having a pleasing smile can improve self-esteem, confidence, and a feeling of acceptance in daily life.
Our removable Functional appliances (Phase I), especially in the still growing individual, frequently result in greatly improved facial profile and usually eleminate the need for tooth extraction.

What is Full or Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?

This is another name for orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition at any age. It is more commonly used when a Phase I treatment was not performed.

How long will treatment last?

Treatment typically lasts from 6 months to 30 months depending on the age of the patient, severity of the problem, and the level of patient cooperation.

Is orthodontic care expensive?

When you consider the benefits can last a lifetime, the cost of orthodontic treatment is really quite reasonable. Orthodontics is widely regarded as dentistry's best value.
Financing is usually available and our office offers payment programs that will likely meet your needs. In addition, many insurance plans now include orthodontics.