Interceptive Treatment
Dr. Frost normally recommends treatment only after all the adult teeth have erupted, around the age of 12. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child be evaluated between the ages of 6 and 8 years old. At that early age, it’s possible to determine if there are issues related to the child’s growth or tooth positions that should be addressed sooner rather than later. Early, interceptive treatment like braces for kids can be recommended to correct crossbites, underbites, extreme crowding, impacted permanent teeth, under or over developed jaws that affect the profile and bite, and constricted airways.
With early orthodontic treatment, we can take a less invasive, preventative approach. Addressing development concerns while the bones are growing gives us the ability to avoid more invasive approaches (such as jaw surgery) in the future.
For kids who don’t need early treatment, we’ve created our Growth & Guidance program. We’ll see kids at least once a year, at no charge, to monitor their growth and determine the right time and options for orthodontic treatment. Plus, they will learn great habits that will help them maintain a healthy, beautiful smile throughout their life.
With early orthodontic treatment, we can take a less invasive, preventative approach. Addressing development concerns while the bones are growing gives us the ability to avoid more invasive approaches (such as jaw surgery) in the future.
For kids who don’t need early treatment, we’ve created our Growth & Guidance program. We’ll see kids at least once a year, at no charge, to monitor their growth and determine the right time and options for orthodontic treatment. Plus, they will learn great habits that will help them maintain a healthy, beautiful smile throughout their life.
Candidates
Our doctors embrace the latest in orthodontic technologies to reduce the overall need for surgical treatment; however, it can still be required in those with extreme bite discrepancies, as well as those with facial aesthetic concerns. All growth must be complete before jaw surgery can be performed (jaw growth is usually complete by 16–18 years with girls and 18–20 with boys); however, it is very common to begin correcting tooth position while a patient is still growing.
Interceptive Treatment
Airway Aware
A constricted airway can severely impact the growth and development of a child and should be considered when evaluating a child’s overall health. Our orthodontists use i-CAT FLX (3D cone beam x-ray) to take a CT scan and evaluate the airway of every patient.
If a child under the age of 12 has a constricted airway, Dr. Frost can initiate their airway protocol which takes advantage of the growth of the child to expand the airway. This can often prevent obstructive sleep apnea and improve overall health of a child.
How do I know if my child has a restricted airway?
- Snoring
- Bedwetting
- Mood Swings
- Behavior Problems
- Teeth Grinding
- Mouth Breathing
- Difficulty Paying Attention
TMD Symptoms Include:
- Biting/chewing difficulty or discomfort
- Neck and shoulder pain or tension
- Dizziness
- Hearing loss
- Headaches/earaches in the morning
- Migraines
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Reduced ability to open/close the mouth