EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Beautiful, Healthy Smiles Start Here

GUIDING THE GROWTH OF YOUR CHILD’S SMILE

Maddux Orthodontics in Virginia Beach, VA, is pleased to offer early orthodontic treatment. Early orthodontic treatment, sometimes referred to as “Phase 1 treatment” or “early interceptive treatment,” occurs when a child has a mixture of permanent and baby teeth. During this stage of dental development, an orthodontist can identify potential orthodontic issues and help to guide the growth of your child’s jaw and bite. The main objectives of early orthodontic treatment are to create space in the mouth for erupting permanent teeth and to help prevent permanent teeth extractions and more invasive procedures as teenagers.

Early Orthodontic Treatment

When Should My Child See An Orthodontist?

While most people think orthodontic treatment first occurs in adolescence, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child first visit the orthodontist at age 7. At this age, Dr. Maddux can spot any malocclusion or bite misalignment, determine whether or not your child is a good candidate for early orthodontic treatment, and guide the jaw to ensure the upper and lower teeth fit together properly. Once all permanent teeth have erupted, Dr. Maddux can then determine the best course of action for further orthodontic treatment.

What Can I Expect From Early Orthodontic Treatment?

At Maddux Orthodontics in Virginia Beach, VA, our compassionate and experienced orthodontic team is here to help you and your child through every step of the treatment process. Dr. Maddux will first begin with a detailed examination and evaluation of your child’s jaw, bite and teeth. Our orthodontic team will take photos of your child’s mouth and smile and discuss the benefits of early orthodontic treatment and palatal expansion. After taking photos and discussing treatment benefits, our team will make molds or impressions of your child’s upper and lower arch. Depending on your child’s needs, there are three main early orthodontic treatment options:

This treatment option is used when children have a narrow palate that will not be able to accommodate all of the permanent teeth. In this case, your child will be given a customized, fixed appliance that they will wear for approximately six to twelve months. This appliance will be bonded to your child’s back molars.

These clear, removable aligner trays are specifically designed for children with both baby and permanent teeth. Invisalign® First moves your child’s teeth slowly over time and expands the width of their dental arch.

In some orthodontic cases, children’s four front teeth protrude due to long-term thumb sucking or pacifier use. Braces brackets will be adhered to these front teeth to gently move them in line with the child’s upper arch.

It is normal for your child to take a few days to become accustomed to their new appliance, but there should not be any significant discomfort or pain. If your child is experiencing pain, or a component of their appliance becomes damaged or broken, contact our team as soon as possible.

 SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD MIGHT BE A GOOD CANDIDATE
FOR EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

early orthodontic treatment

Early Orthodontic Treatment

It is best for your child to be evaluated by Dr. Maddux to determine whether or not they are a good candidate for early orthodontic treatment. However, there are some noticeable signs that your child may have orthodontic issues, as outlined by the American Association of Orthodontists. These include:

  • Protruding teeth

  • Thumb sucking

  • Difficulty chewing or biting

  • Crowded or misaligned teeth

  • Asymmetrical face and jaw shape

  • Difficulty with speech

  • Mouth breathing

  • Losing baby teeth early or late

  • Jaws that protrude or are recessed

  • Pacifier use

If your child is displaying these symptoms or is at least seven years of age, request a complimentary consultation with Dr. Maddux and the Maddux Orthodontics team. Identifying orthodontic issues early on ensures that your child has a more seamless, comfortable orthodontic treatment experience in the future.

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Edwin Drive

351 Edwin Drive, Suite 104
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

First Colonial

933 First Colonial Road, Suite 204
Virginia Beach, VA 23454

OFFICE HOURS:
Monday: 9am – 5:30pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 7am – 4pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5pm

CALL OR TEXT US 757-499-3530