Early Interceptive Treatment for Children in Paramus

Many parents are under the impression that orthodontic treatment is only for adolescents and teens after their permanent teeth have erupted. While it is true that the majority of patients in orthodontic treatment are in this age group, it is also true that some problems are best addressed at a younger age.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check up for children no later than age 7. Although treatment at that age is not common, it is a good age for an evaluation. Dr. Kinoian, a trained specialist in orthodontics, can easily spot problems that may be developing. If caught early, many habit problems can be corrected with education and without orthodontic treatment. Dr. Kinoian does not charge for consultations and advice. CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

Interceptive Treatment is sometimes suggested for young patients in order to prevent or correct a minor problem which is likely to worsen or likely to cause additional problems if left alone.

Thumb sucking and finger sucking habits in young patients can cause problems also. Usually, if the patient stops by the time the front permanent teeth erupt there is not much to worry about. Sometimes, however, these habits persist later and they can have an effect on the growth of the jaws and surrounding muscles. Upper jaws can become constricted, lower jaws can become set back, and the front teeth can develop an open bite where they no longer come together and overlap as they should. Again, these habits can be corrected even in adults, but the younger the patient and the earlier the habit is caught the easier it is to correct and the less damage it can do to the teeth and jaws. Often young patients will stop these habits after they receive an explanation of the problem by Dr. Kinoian even though their parents may have already encouraged them to stop.

Patients with a simple crossbite (upper front teeth inside the lower teeth) are typically good candidates for early intervention. While crossbites can be corrected at later ages, if they persist at a young age they can affect the growth of the lower jaw. That is, if the jaw is habitually placed to one side or forward in order to get a better fit of the teeth, the jaw will actually grow in that direction. Later treatment may then be difficult or compromised. Often, correcting a crossbite at an early age can eliminate the need for later treatment.

A common Interceptive treatment is to replace a prematurely missing baby tooth. Baby teeth are very important in maintaining the proper space for the developing permanent tooth which is underneath. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the remaining teeth can shift and sometimes the jaw can become misshapen. Treatment to hold the space for a developing permanent tooth is relatively inexpensive and can prevent costly treatments later.

Two-Phase Treatment for Children

Phase 1 Early Treatment costs much less than comprehensive full treatment while Phase 1 & Phase 2 treatment combined is priced comparably to comprehensive full treatment. Often patients who complete early treatment may not require further treatment at a later age.

Phase 1 Early Treatment: While it is possible to correct crooked teeth at any age, early treatment is commonly recommended when the jaws are the wrong size or shape or when the jaws are in the wrong position for the developing permanent teeth. This early treatment is done when the child still has many “baby” teeth and while growth is expected. Dr. Kinoian, as a Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, is particularly qualified in making this type of assessment and can show you, without charge, exactly what is required for proper development of your child’s jaws, face, gums and teeth.

Since Phase 1 treatment goals are to align the jaws and reshape the jaws to allow proper eruption of the permanent teeth and align the upper and lower front teeth.

Common problems which present as candidates for Early Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment are:
                Open Bite – when the front teeth do not overlap or come together
                Excessive Overjet – when the front teeth “stick out” too far
                Underbite – when the lower front teeth are in front of the upper front teeth
                Posterior Crossbites – when the back teeth on either or both sides do not overlap the lower teeth
                Severely Crowded Front Teeth – this Is an indicator of a jaw which is too small to fit the permanent teeth and early treatment can make room to prevent extractions later.
                Missing Permanent Teeth – we find that the general dentist often misses these since x-rays which look for cavities are not designed to stop problems below the gums where the permanent teeth develop. Also, as an orthodontic specialist Dr. Kinoian is alert to when teeth should be loose or erupting.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Phase 1 treatment benefits many patients by allowing them to chew and speak better. It reduces the risk of breaking front teeth and for many patients there are improvements in self-esteem.

Additionally, since this type of treatment is concerned with jaw development it is important to take advantage of your child’s growth; the more the child is growing the easier it is to achieve the anticipated results for the beautiful healthy smile everyone wants. After growth is complete, there are less options available for correcting poorly formed bones.

Phase 2 Treatment: After Phase 1 Treatment there is usually a time when the jaws are aligned and the front teeth are aligned but there are “baby” teeth on the sides. A second phase of treatment may be required to “fine tune” the remaining second teeth after they erupt. For Phase 2 treatment braces are placed on all the permanent teeth. Typically braces are on for a shorter time than for comprehensive full treatment since we already have space for all the teeth and the jaws are already aligned.

In Dr. Kinoian’s office about ½ of those patients who complete Phase 1 Early Treatment do not require further treatment, however about ½ of those who do not require later treatment may elect for a Phase 2 treatment it order to achieve ideal results. In Phase 2 treatment we are making the final finishing artistic touches to align the teeth for their most ideal functional and esthetic result. When Phase 2 treatment is finished you can be confident that you will be thrilled with your results.

Our reputation shows every time you smile.

We Love To Make You Smile!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proper orthodontic care does not fit into a “one size fits all” approach. Dr. Kinoian will explain what an ideal bite looks like, show you what is less than ideal with your child’s bite, explain to you and your child what is to be expected during treatment and help you decide when is the best time for treatment. CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Many orthodontists prefer NOT to offer Phase 1/Phase 2 treatments because the patient is often committed to the office for a longer period of time. Unfortunately, postponing treatment often results in compromised treatment options. In younger patients, growth can be used to advantage and younger patients are often very compliant with appliances that may interfere with a teenagers lifestyle. Dr. Kinoian’s philosophy is to always try to do what’s best for the patient; if the treatment takes longer but results in a more beautiful smile with all the permanent teeth then the patient and parent should have the option to pursue this.

We Love To Make You Smile!

Dr. Robert V. Kinoian is recognized by the State of New Jersey as a Specialist in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics with NJ Specialty Permit #3727

<br>

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.

Name

Phone

Message