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Orthodontics & Braces for Children

When indicated, orthodontics for young children can help prevent more invasive future dental and orthodontic treatments.
Early Child Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends an initial visit around age seven, or when the first permanent teeth begin to erupt.

While not every child requires orthodontic treatment at this age, there are certain indicators where treatment would yield tremendous benefits.

Early Treatment (also known as Phase One) typically begins around age eight or nine. Some of the more common goals of early treatment are crossbite correction (narrow upper jaw), the reduction of a significant overjet (upper front teeth ahead of lower front teeth) and the redirection of extractions in the future. Phase One treatments are typically completed within a year, and after which the child’s growth and tooth development are monitored by the orthodontist.

Surgery at orthodontics
surgical orthodontics<br />

Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening with physical, facial changes. The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your child’s life.

Phase One

The goal of Phase One treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that better accommodates all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Children often exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper jaw that is growing too much or is too narrow can be recognized at an early age. If children over the age of six are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Also, if children around the age of eight have crowded front teeth, early treatment can often prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later.

Planning now can improve your child’s smile later

Children can benefit tremendously from early-phase treatment. Receiving early treatment may prevent the removal of permanent teeth later in life, or the need for surgical procedures to realign the jaws.

Collecting the necessary information to determine your child’s individualized treatment

Orthodontic records are necessary to determine the ideal type of appliances to be used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits. Records consist of a digital scan of the teeth, X-rays, and photographs. During your child’s initial assessment, the doctor will use these records to determine if early treatment is necessary.

Resting Period

During this time, the remaining permanent teeth are monitored as they erupt. Retaining devices may not be recommended if they would interfere with eruption. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement. A successful first phase will have created room for permanent teeth to find an appropriate eruptive path. Otherwise, they may become impacted or severely displaced.

Monitoring the tooth eruption sequence

At the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. That will be accomplished in the second phase of treatment, usually after all of the permanent teeth erupt. In the meantime, we will monitor the patient with periodic visits so the doctor can check facial growth and development in conjunction with tooth loss and eruption.

Phase Two

At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan was established. Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase to correct and realign the teeth and jaw. The second phase begins when permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces or Invisalign treatment for an average of 24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure your child retains his or her beautiful smile.

TRANSFORM YOUR SMILE

Schedule a Visit

To set up a visit with our orthodontists, complete and submit this form. Our scheduling coordinator will then contact you to confirm your consultation.

Please note this form is for requesting an appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule an existing appointment, or if you require immediate attention, please contact our practice directly by calling us.

Office Locations

Consultations are available at our three conveniently located orthodontic offices.

Massillon

3235 Wales Ave NW
Massillon, Ohio 44646
(330) 833-3335
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Uniontown

3451 Edison St NW
Uniontown, Ohio 44685
(330) 699-6369

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North Canton

6304 A Market Ave
North Canton, Ohio 44721
(234) 714-8100
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