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TREATMENT Age
Your treatment will be based on the type of
problem you exhibit upon close examination.
Early Treatment (Ages
7-10)
The American Association of Orthodontists
suggests an initial orthodontic evaluation at age 7:
Why?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any
age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment,
as different problems are better treated at different
ages. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends
that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur
at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later
than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment
may not be necessary, but we can anticipate the most
advantageous time to begin treatment. However, a short “Phase
One” treatment is sometimes needed between ages
7-10 to help ensure healthy growth and development. At
your child’s dental visits, your dentist should
be able to tell you when the optimal time might be to
see an orthodontist. Your dentist will typically
provide you with a referral to an orthodontist.
What makes this the optimal time for screening?
By the
age of 7, the first adult molars have erupted, or come
through the gums, establishing the bite of the back teeth.
During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back
and side-to-side tooth relationships, as you bite and
slide your teeth around. Also, the presence of erupting
incisors (front teeth) can indicate possible overbite,
open bite, crowding or overly-gummy smiles.
What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Phase One treatment,
if necessary, is usually initiated on children between
the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment usually lasts
about 6-12 months. While the ultimate goal of orthodontic
treatment with children is the elevation of self-esteem
and self-confidence, the primary objective for Phase
One treatment is to address significant skeletal problems
to prevent them from becoming more severe. This is typically
reserved for width discrepancies between the two jaws,
bony asymmetries, or Class III growth tendency (the tendency
for the lower jaw to outgrow the upper jaw).Adolescent Treatment
The pre-teen and adolescent years represent an ideal
time to firmly solidify that glowing smile! When all
or almost all adult teeth have erupted, Dr. Gladwell will
be able to work to create the coolest smile in town!
Even if you didn’t have a screening as a child,
now is the perfect time to have an evaluation.
Who hasn’t seen their friends walking to class
sporting their school or holiday colors across their
teeth? These are not the painful, bulky braces your parents
wore in the 1960’s or 1970’s! Today’s
braces can be decorated with cool elastic colors, or
be nearly invisible – the color of “ice”.
Every smile is unique and spectacular, and you get to
help Dr. Gladwell paint your smile exactly as you like.
Dr. Gladwell is committed to helping you enhance your
smile.
Adult Treatment
Who is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Were
you the negligent teenager who refused to wear her retainer
after orthodontic treatment or were you the one never
allowed that glorious opportunity to sport a mouth full
of metal down the school halls? Have you noticed that
your teeth have continued to change as you’ve
gotten older? Well, now is your time to bring back the
healthy, beautiful smile!
Whether or not you’ve had braces before, you could
be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, if you
have healthy gums and good bone structure around your
teeth. And, the bonus is that these are not the painful,
bulky metal braces of the 1960s and 1970s anymore. Today’s
braces can be nearly invisible – the color of “ice”-
or be completely clear, like Invisalign.
You can also sport any color elastics on your braces
to match your wardrobe, season, or sporting event. Why
not start the road to a healthier, happier, smilier you
today?
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