Today, almost everyone wants a quick and easy fix for every problem they face in life. Whether it is a crooked smile or yellow teeth, people want to believe that switching their toothbrush or using a costly toothpaste can fix their problems. Some even go to the extent of 3D printing retainers or aligners from school or university labs to straighten their teeth.
Why Is The Opinion Of A Qualified Orthodontist Necessary?
However, according to experts like those from http://www.dds4childrenpearland.com/, these DIY treatments can often lead to complications that are costlier than the initial treatment that could have corrected the problem. Take, for example, the case of the boy with gapped teeth in Greece. His parents decided to forego dental appointments and pull the teeth closer together with a small rubber band. While it reduced the gap, the rubber band slid up inside the gums and caused massive swelling, bleeding, infection and loss of critical bone and tissue that eventually resulted in complicated dental surgeries and the loss of his two front teeth. According to orthodontic surgeons, the family could avoid the pain, harassment, and expense by opting for traditional metal braces.
This case also shows that problems of the teeth that require orthodontic care often show up well before the child has all 32 permanent teeth. For those who do not already know, an orthodontist in Calgary details the difference between orthodontists and dentists. While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. This is because the later has to undergo an additional two to three years of training on straightening teeth using common techniques like braces and Invisalign. Because of this, these expert dentists can predict the alignment of permanent teeth from x-rays and a detailed study of the child’s milk teeth. At a young age, children should undergo two-phase orthodontic treatment depending on his or her dental problems. The two-phase approach leverages the predictable dental development stages of the child in his or her early years.
Who Requires Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is something children and adults might require equally. It is easier to tame children's teeth with braces since they are still developing and easier to move. Adults might have to be more patient to see the same results. You might require orthodontic treatment if you have –
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Open bite
• Crossbite
• Gapped teeth
• Crowding
• Misplaced midline (center of upper and lower front teeth don’t align)
It is common for children to be ideal candidates for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists typically use braces, fixed space maintainers or special fixed appliances to treat the persistent dental problems in children and teens. In the case of children, experts have to take their milk teeth into account. So, they break the treatment into two phases that take care of their milk teeth and permanent teeth, with a short resting period between them.
What Do You Need To Know About Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Has your orthodontist in MN recommended two-phase treatment for your child? Then, here are the six facts about it you need to know right now –
1. The Two-Phase Treatment Is Not For All Children
The same medicine does not work equally well for all people. Similarly, the same orthodontic treatment might not bring about ideal results in all kids. Some dental problems in kids require a single phase of treatment only. Visit Jennifer Eisenhuth Orthodontist in MN to learn more about one-phase and two-phase orthodontic treatments your child can avail.
2. It Can Address Several Issues At A Time
The conventional two-phase orthodontic treatment can align the teeth properly and provide enough space for dental development in the early years. Here are the other things it can do –
• It can reduce the need to remove permanent teeth in the future.
• It can normalize the bite. It is especially useful in the case of an underbite.
• Two-phase treatments are excellent in putting a stop to a child’s abnormal swallowing or excessive suckling.
• Help reduce an overbite (buck tooth) and reduces the chances of damage to protruding teeth in the future.
• It can bring the teeth closer together and cure overcrowding. That will reduce the chances of plaque development and cavity formation in adult life.
3. It Takes Care Of Baby Teeth Too
Two-phase orthodontic treatment ensures that the baby teeth move and align properly. Many parents deem it unnecessary to move baby teeth since they will eventually fall out and permanent teeth will take their place. However, it is necessary to move baby teeth to make optimum space for the permanent teeth. The phase I of the two-step treatment mainly deals with moving milk teeth and orienting the existing permanent teeth to reduce crowding. The phase one begins when the child still has his or her milk teeth. Therefore, the dentists use instruments depending on the child's dental needs. The expert can apply braces, fixed appliances or removable appliances depending on the need of the patient. You should note that it might be necessary to remove a child's baby teeth at this stage to make way for the permanent teeth.
4. Phase II Begins After The Permanent Teeth Come Out
There is a brief resting phase between the two phases of the orthodontic treatment. The resting stage depends upon the dental growth pattern of the child and the underlying issues he or she has. Once the phase II begins, the orthodontist focuses on aligning the permanent teeth correctly, for optimum function, proper bite, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. It is necessary for every child to visit an orthodontist by the time they are seven years old. Although people will tell you that there is no ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment, dentists agree that the earlier you take your child for a checkup the shorter will be the duration of his or her treatment.
It is true that children of the 21 st century are smart and conscious about their appearance. It is only reasonable to find out that your child does not want to wear traditional braces. However, do not worry! Modern dental technology offers clear braces for phase I of the orthodontic dental treatment and phase II might even involve "invisible" retainers. Speak with the dentist if your child has concerns about his or her appearance during the treatment.
Final Words On Orthodontics For Children
When you are searching for an orthodontist dentist, make sure that you are going to a registered and qualified one. You can check out pediatric orthodontists in MN for your child. However, working with an orthodontic surgeon is advisable, since your child can visit the same clinic even after he or she becomes a teenager. Two-phase orthodontic treatment in a long-term commitment and you should always check your dental insurance before you step in for the first round of treatment.
