 Since early detection of orthodontic problems (or potential problems) can effect the treatment options available, and the length of corrective treatment, we, at Children's Dental Health Associates, P.C., consider it a normal part of our pediatric dental services to advise parents early of developing orthodontic problems and, when necessary, refer to an orthodontic specialist.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dental care that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontic treatment corrects the alignment of teeth, jaws and lips and prevents physical health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction and chewing and digestive difficulties.
Orthodontic treatment with children and pre-teens is shorter than an adults' because the bone around a young child's teeth and the jaw bones can still be molded by dental braces as the child continues to grow.
 Orthodontic problems, many times referred to simply as malocclusion, meaning “bad bite”, includes problems of missing teeth, extra teeth, jaws which are out of alignment and crowded teeth. Most of these type problems are inherited but some can present as the result of an accident, thumb sucking, or losing baby teeth later in the child's life than normal.
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 When to Begin Treatment?
The ideal age for starting orthodontic treatment ranges from three to twelve years of age. It is important that an orthodontic evaluation be done at an early age which is why, as stated above, we, at Children's Dental Health Associates, P.C., are alert to these types of problems, advise parents, and make referrals to an orthodontist whenever there is a known problem or any question that may need a specialized evaluation.
The average orthrodontic treatment time is about 24 months but will vary with each patient depending upon the severity of the problem, the general health of the teeth, gums, and supporting bone. Also, a factor in the length of time for treatment, is the commitment from the patient in following instructions and following general dental health care.
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