Early Orthodontic Treatment

Welcome to the world of early orthodontic treatment – a proactive approach that lays the foundation for optimal oral health and paves the way to a picture-perfect smile in Alamogordo, NM. At Mountain View Orthodontics, we believe in the power of interceptive orthodontics, designed specifically for children between 7 and 10. Early orthodontic treatment isn’t just about correcting crooked teeth; it’s a transformative experience that guides the growth of jaw and facial bones, addresses dental issues in their infancy, and sets the stage for a lifetime of radiant smiles. Discover how this proactive approach can shape your child’s future, one radiant smile at a time.

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment, or interceptive orthodontics, is a proactive approach to addressing dental problems in children at a young age. It focuses on guiding the growth and development of the jaw and facial bones while also addressing issues related to tooth alignment. This type of treatment is typically recommended for children between the ages of 7 and 10, as it takes advantage of their natural growth spurts to achieve optimal results.

Why is Early Orthodontic Treatment Important?

Early orthodontic intervention offers numerous benefits, including:

Preventing Complications: Addressing dental issues early on can prevent more severe problems from developing. By guiding the growth of the jaw and ensuring proper tooth alignment, we can avoid more complicated orthodontic treatments later in life.
Improving Oral Function: Early treatment can correct issues like crossbites, open bites, or crowded teeth, improving chewing, speech, and overall oral function.
Boosting Confidence: A beautiful smile can significantly impact a child’s self-esteem. Early orthodontic treatment can help children feel more confident about their appearance, leading to improved social interactions and overall well-being.
Reducing Risk of Trauma: Misaligned teeth are more prone to trauma and damage. Early orthodontic treatment can reduce these risks, particularly for children participating in sports or other physical activities.
Easier Future Orthodontic Treatment: By addressing problems early, we can create a more favorable environment for permanent teeth to erupt properly, potentially reducing the need for extensive orthodontic work in the future.

Our Early Orthodontic Treatment Services in Alamogordo, NM

At Mountain View Orthodontics, we take a personalized approach to early orthodontic treatment. Dr. Elliot Saperstein, our experienced orthodontist, will carefully evaluate your child’s dental health, growth patterns, and facial structure. Based on this assessment, we will design a customized treatment plan to address specific issues and achieve optimal results.

Our early orthodontic treatment services include:

Palatal Expanders:

For children with narrow dental arches, a palatal expander can gradually widen the upper jaw. This expander creates more space for incoming permanent teeth and improves overall bite alignment.

Space Maintainers:

In cases where a primary tooth is lost prematurely, space maintainers can preserve the gap until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. This space maintainer prevents neighboring teeth from shifting and maintains proper spacing.

Braces for Children:

In some cases, early intervention may involve using braces to correct specific misalignment issues, guide jaw growth, or address bite problems effectively.

Orthodontic Appliances:

We offer various orthodontic appliances tailored to your child’s needs, helping to correct habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, which can impact dental development.

Monitoring Growth:

Even if immediate treatment is not necessary, regular checkups allow us to monitor your child’s growth and development closely. These checkups help us identify the right time to start treatment if required.