Q. Why is "early treatment" or Phase I recommended for some children?
A. In some cases, preventive or interceptive care can guide the jaws and erupting teeth into more favorable positions, improve the growth and alignment of the jaws, preserve space for the permanent teeth, and/or reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruding front teeth. Early treatment is not about straightening the teeth, but more about influencing the growth of the jaws to make room for the erupting permanent teeth. This treatment, in many cases, alleviates the need for extractions and jaw surgery later.
Q. What is the psychological impact of orthodontic therapy?
A. Treatment may reduce appearance consciousness during the critical developmental years. Appearance can have an effect on popularity, social behaviors, self-expectation, personality style, and self-image. Also, orthodontic therapy may lessen the likelihood that a child will be picked on by other children.
Q. Why is the adolescent growth spurt so important in orthodontics?
A. This is a time when much of the growth of the face occurs. Treatment during this period provides an opportunity to favorably influence the facial profile in a growing child. Once growth of the facial bones is complete, correction of jaw discrepancies usually requires surgery. For this reason, early treatment may save considerable time and money.
Q. What can we expect from your practice?
A. You can expect a unique combination of art, science, and experience. Our goal is to provide the highest level of orthodontic therapy possible in a caring, friendly environment. We intend to treat you so well personally and technically that you will feel comfortable in recommending us to your friends and family.
