Orthodontic Treatment for Kids

FREMONT ORTHODONTIST FOR KIDS

Patricia Choi Orthodontics in Fremont, CA, loves finding ways to make going to the dentist enjoyable for kids and their parents. We reward good grades and oral hygiene, and host contests and games. Parents appreciate our emphasis on patient education to instill habits early on for excellent oral health.

Learn more

We Make Going to the Dentist Fun for Kids

GAMES > CONTESTS > REWARDS>

At what age should I bring my child to the orthodontist?

As recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists, an initial check-up with an orthodontic specialist by age 7 enables the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems (if any), advise if treatment will be necessary, and determine the best time for that patient to be treated.

Kids More

Two Critical Phases of Early Orthodontics

There are two critical stages of early orthodontic treatment for kids: Phase I: Interceptive and Phase II: Completion. Optimum treatment results can be obtain when both phases are completed.

Phase I Interceptive Treatment

Interceptive Early treatment for kids typically begins when the four permanent teeth erupt (ages 7-9) and lasts approximately 12-18 months. It is not unusual to begin orthodontic intervention if one or more of the following early warning signs are seen:

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty in chewing or biting
Oral habits that include finger sucking, tongue thrusting, or excessive grinding
Excessive dental crowding, misplaced or block-out teeth
Protruding teeth
Open bites (front teeth that do not meet together)
Facial imbalance, such as jaw that protrude or recede
Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth

Goals for Phase I Treatment

Guide jaw growth
Widening narrow or constricted jaws
Guide incoming permanent teeth into desirable positions
Lower risk of trauma (accidents) to protruded upper incisors (front teeth)
Correct harmful oral habits
Improve personal appearance and self-esteem
Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
Preserve or gain space for permanent teeth that are coming in

Appliances Used:

Braces – placed on the upper and sometimes lower permanent teeth
Headgear
Palatal Expander (worn to widen the upper jaw)
Face mask/Reverse headgear (worn to move upper jaw or teeth forward)
Functional appliance – removable “retainer” worn to redirect jaw growth

Once these goals are met, appliances & braces are removed and retainers are given to the patient. Post phase I retention ranges from 12-24 months. During this Phase I retention phase patients are monitored approximately every 4 months to ensure Phase I results are maintained, and to monitor the eruption of the remaining permanent teeth.

Get Started

Phase II Completion

Begins when most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted, typically at the age of 12-13 years old. In Phase II treatment, braces are placed on all the teeth with treatment time ranging from 12 to 22 months (to finalize and finish what we’ve started in phase I).