Orthodontics
An orthodontic problem is called malocclusion. This means the patient has a "bad bite". Examples of some causes of this are having crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth or jaws that are misaligned. Malocclusions can either be inherited or acquired. Orthodontics can be beneficial for both adults and children. We recommend that a child be evaluated for orthodontic treatment by the age of seven. The average treatment time is 24 months, but varies with each individual patient.
Functional Appliances
By the age of twelve, 75 % of children need orthodontic treatment and by that age, 90% of the child's face has already developed! By guiding facial development early on with the use of functional appliances, 80% of the treatment can be done before adult teeth are even present. The ideal age for the use of functional appliances is between the ages of 8 and 11, when the cooperation level is the highest. The use of functional appliances can reduce the time a child must wear fixed braces and also can reduce the need for the extraction of permanent teeth. Functional appliances help to achieve good facial muscle function and create natural facial proportions. Functional appliances can also help correct jaw joint problems, airway problems and thumbsucking habits.
