No parent or child wants to consider orthodontics in Orange Park. It usually means extremely high bills for parents and annoying braces for kids. However, orthodontic work is an important part of oral health, especially when there are mouth problems that won’t work out on their own or could become worse later in life. While most dentists perform traditional orthodontic work, there is an early phase approach that may work better and is becoming more popular.
Development and Growth
Teeth will grow and develop over the years, which is why it is more difficult to determine potential problems in children. While genetics can determine how the jaw and teeth will grow, it is not the only determining factor as to whether the teeth will come in straight or crooked. Other factors can include breathing, muscle patterns and the child’s habits. The dentist will consider all of these factors when determining whether the development and growth of the teeth are proper or not and will be able to make a decision as to whether orthodontic care will be needed.
The New Approach
The early phase approach is a different option than traditional means. With early phase, the jaw and mouth can grow normally by using orthodontic care. In some cases, later phases are also required to help straighten any crooked teeth that don’t grow properly, though sometimes a second phase isn’t required. In this way, your child can have proper teeth without having to deal with years of braces or other equipment.
Typically, children aged seven to eight will benefit most from the early-phase approach, though children as young as four can benefit, as well.
After about age 10, the early-phase cannot be used and traditional orthodontics must be done from that point onwards, which typically means tooth extraction.
Why It Works
In essence, the earlier you and your dentist start trying to straighten your child’s teeth, the better the tools used can work. In many cases, all problems can be fixed, allowing for a fuller and more formed smile.
Generally, traditional orthodontics in Orange Park area can only go so far because the airways, face and muscles are still growing and developing. When you initiate early-phase approaches, you can somewhat mold the mouth and jaw into what it will need to be later in life, fixing many problems and removing the need for surgery later.
