Early Invisalign Treatment
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. When needed, Interceptive orthodontic treatment guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When early intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. 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 vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment. Our office provides a complimentary consultation and we monitor young individuals periodically to evaluate their needs.Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite, and incisors (front teeth) begin to erupt. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. The presence of an overbite, an open bite or crowding (insufficient space for teeth to erupt or align properly) can be evaluated at this time. Early screening increases the chances for an incredible smile in the future and can prevent some orthodontic problems from occurring.
Phase One treatment
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is orthodontic treatment. This treatment may include the use of appliances such us expander, partial braces, and other space holding appliances. That is done before all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and often occurs between the ages of six and ten. Phase I treatment is recommended by Dr. Younger when there is a moderate or severe orthodontic problem that should not wait until later to be treated. We wait until treatment that is efficient and economical can be delivered. We wait until we can do the best care, at the best time, for the best value. If treatment should not be delayed, Dr. Younger will recommend Phase I treatment. The goal of Phase I Treatment is to develop room for the future eruption of permanent teeth and to improve improve when necessary. An upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can benefit from this early orthodontic treatment. This early correction can often prevent dental trauma, later removal of permanent teeth or even jaw surgery. Leaving a severe condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a problem too severe to correct with braces alone. The treatment time for Phase I treatment is usually between 9-18 months. After this, our patients wear retainers and are checked every four to six months while waiting for the remaining permanent teeth to erupt. Later, when most of the permanent teeth have erupted (usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen), Phase II treatment will be recommended if necessary.Adolescent Treatment
Phase Two treatment
The goal of Phase II Treatment is to position all the permanent teeth to maximize their appearance and function. This is best accomplished with full braces or Invisalign and is usually between 12-18 months long. Due to the improvements made in Phase I Treatment, Phase II Treatment requires less patient participation, often eliminates extraction of permanent teeth and reduces the time spent in full braces. This is especially important for patients as they enter their teenage years!What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.What if I put off treatment?
The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth and having only one phase of treatment for someone with a jaw discrepancy is facing the possibility of a compromised result that may not be stable.Comprehensive Treatment
This is the most common type of orthodontic treatment. It is usually done around age 12 and is designed to correct all of the orthodontic problems present. In some cases treatment can start with a few primary teeth left, but in many, treatment will start when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Braces are usually placed on all possible teeth (sometimes there are a few that have not fully erupted and they are added later). During treatment it is critical to maintain the cleaning schedule with your general dentist. This should be at least every 6 months and sometimes less if hygiene is a major problem. The overall time in treatment is dependent on the difficulty of the case to start. The average time in treatment is 18-24 months, but many can be either shorter or longer than this average. This will be explained before the start of treatment. Some other factors that effect the time in treatment are patient compliance (especially wearing rubber bands and keeping scheduled appointments), breakage of appliances, and eruption of permanent teeth (especially 2nd molars or teeth that were blocked to start treatment). Even after all of the movement has been completed, the braces are left on for a time to stabilize the corrections made..Adult Treatment
Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for all age groups – including adults. At Fabulous Smiles Orthodontics, a new smile is a phone call away.
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to periodontal issues such as gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear to enamel, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain..
We use the latest technology in orthodontics to greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits and shorten treatment times.
Your options may include:
- Invisalign: Take a modern approach to straightening teeth.
- Damon Braces System: Braces designed to be discreet, comfortable and easy to keep clean.
- Insignia: Appliance system designed to give every patient a truly customized smile.
- Other types of appliances.