Download A Parent`s Guide to Starting Orthodontic Treatment for Children

Gina B. Pinamonti, D.D.S.
ORTHODONTICS
A Parent’s Guide to
Starting Orthodontic
Treatment for Children
The Straight Facts:
It’s Time to See the Orthodontist!
Orthodontic experts estimate between 70 and 75 percent of the American population can
benefit from treatment for crowded teeth, misalignments or other more severe dental issues
that cause serious challenges involving speech or eating. If orthodontic treatment were sought
early rather than waiting until the problem becomes visible, then many of the issues could be
avoided or minimized.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children
have an orthodontic examination by age 7.
A visit with an orthodontist around age 7 is much different than
an appointment with the pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist
is focused on the patient’s:
• Hygiene
• Fluoride levels
• Cavities
• Education on brushing and flossing
An orthodontist is skilled at determining whether an
orthodontic problem exists through this developmental
stage. An orthodontist is specialized in:
• Recognizing alignment issues
• Preventing crowding problems
• Identifying serious complications as permanent teeth
emerge
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Benefits to Early Screening
There are several advantages to seeing an orthodontist during this early stage of development.
They include:
• Specialized prognosis of how permanent teeth will develop
• Correction of habits that cause developmental problems, including thumb sucking or tongue
thrusting
• Early intervention of correct bite problems, such as open bite or crossbite
• Guidance of growth of the jaw to accommodate emerging permanent teeth, while primary
teeth are still in place
• Decrease of the risk of damage to any protruding teeth
• Alleviation of the need for future and, possibly, more invasive dental correction procedures
• Creation of more pleasing and functional arrangement of teeth, lips and face -- builds self
esteem and confidence
“At age 7, children are at a pivotal developmental stage. They
are starting to lose primary teeth and gain permanent ones.
An orthodontist has the expertise to determine if there is an
orthodontic problem or if a child has normal developmental
variation,” explains Dr. Gina Pinamonti, D.D.S.
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When Does Treatment Start?
Options for treatment vary considerably, based on the issues associated with your child’s smile.
“Generally, unless a severe complication is present, orthodontic
treatment starts when a child is 9 to 14 years old while the patient is
growing,” explains Dr. Gina.
If we don’t recommend immediate treatment for your child, we will encourage periodic
appointments to keep an eye on development. We will schedule appointments to monitor
your child’s teeth and growth periodically.
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Two Phase Treatment Plan
When appropriate, we may present the option for two-phase treatment. This is a specialized
process that implements tooth straightening efforts and physical and facial change
management.
“Through this process, we will maximize the opportunity to
accomplish the most ideal, healthy, functional and aesthetic result
for your child,” says Dr. Gina.
• Phase One: The goal of phase one is to help your child’s jaw development grow to
accommodate all of the permanent teeth. Our efforts will improve the way the upper and
lower jaws fit together. Symptoms of a narrow upper jaw or one that is growing too much
are recognizable at an early age. Children with crowded front teeth by age 8 are strong
candidates for early intervention to prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later.
Treatment and monitoring during this age can help save your child’s smile.
•
• Resting Period: During the resting phase, we will allow the remaining permanent teeth
to emerge, uninterrupted. We feel it’s best to allow the existing permanent teeth some
freedom of movement. If necessary, the first phase created room for permanent teeth to
find a clear eruption path. Observation of your child’s teeth will continue.
•
• Phase Two: The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has a precise location
in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue and other teeth for
optimal function and appearance. This phase may include full upper and lower braces or
other orthodontic appliances. Phase two spans an average period of 24 months.
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What Happens During the First Appointment
When you and your child are ready for a complimentary consultation, the first appointment
is an important and busy one. Our treatment coordinator will take photos of your teeth and
review your tooth brushing technique. Most importantly, she will give you tools to keep your
teeth clean.
You will meet Dr. Gina, learn more about orthodontics, and tour the office to see the Smile Out
Loud team in action.
Standard parts of your child’s initial consultation include:
• Review of your child’s dental and medical history forms
• Photos of your child’s teeth
• A complete oral examination
• Discussion of customized treatment options, as needed
The best part of your child’s first consultation is that it is COMPLIMENTARY!
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(620) 231-6910
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Questions?
We know that orthodontic treatment may seem confusing and complex. Our “Smile
Out Loud” team will be glad to answer any questions you may have. We will provide
all the information you need to determine what treatment is best for your child.
Contact Pinamonti Orthodontics today to schedule your child’s initial
consultation or inquire with questions.
Call us: 620-231-6910
Visit us: 2602 S. Rouse Street, Pittsburg, KS 66762
Email us: [email protected]
Gina B. Pinamonti, D.D.S.
ORTHODONTICS