Short Treatment Time
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The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an orthodontic examination by age seven, and Dr. Holt offers a complimentary in-depth consultation.
Not all children require early treatment. Most are simply evaluated early and monitored periodically until the right time to start braces. However, some kids do need a two-phase treatment plan. A short first phase directs jaw growth and development to allow room for permanent teeth.
Dr. Holt finds just the right time to start treatment and this keeps the time in braces as short as possible. We do not want anyone to wear braces longer than is necessary to obtain an ideal smile. By choosing the right time to start the braces, treatment time can be greatly reduced.
The AAO recommends that your child get an orthodontic checkup no later than age seven. By this age, orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. That's important, because some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they're found early. Some severe problems need early treatment with a short first phase of 6-9 months, followed by a second phase when all the permanent teeth have erupted at approximately age 12. Many patients can be treated in just one phase when most of the permanent teeth have erupted.
Everyone's treatment time varies; however, using the latest technology and glued-in devices helps to decrease the time in braces. State-of-the-art braces, super elastic titanium wires, and springs help in obtaining an ideal result. This technology also allows patients to come in every 8-10 weeks rather than every four weeks.
We use glued-in devices whenever possible to reduce treatment time and to save parents and patients time and frustration of losing an orthodontic device. Some of the devices can be used instead of a headgear. In some situations we can use springs (which we place in the mouth) to replace rubber bands (which the patient would have to place in the mouth).
Shortening treatment time does not affect the outcome, but does decrease the chance of root resorption or decalcification of the teeth.