When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.

What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
  • Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
  • Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
  • Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
  • Preserving space for unerupted teeth
  • Reducing the need for tooth removal
  • Reducing treatment time with braces

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics are not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.

Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you.

What is Phase I Treatment?
Sometimes it may be necessary to begin treatment before the eruption of all of the adult teeth. In this way, we can take advantage of your growth spurt or the anatomy of your baby teeth to help us to coordinate the jaws with each other or relieve the crowding of your teeth. If we don't take these measures now, we may need to remove adult teeth later to accomplish these same goals. The following are the most common phase I treatments:


Types of Phase I Treatment

Headgear
Also called a nightbrace, headgear is used in cases where the upper jaw is too far forward of the lower jaw. The headgear slows the forward growth of the upper jaw and allows the lower jaw to catch up by growing without any restraint.

In some cases, we may use a reverse pull headgear which will retard the forward growth of the lower jaw while encouraging the upper jaw to grow forward. The following instructions are applicable to both types of headgear.

Headgear requires a lot of cooperation on your part to be successful. Follow the instructions below and you will see some incredible changes.

  • Wear the appliance 14 hours each day unless instructed by your orthodontist differently.
  • You may experience some discomfort for the first week that you use it. This will go away on repeated use.
  • Place and remove your headgear carefully so that you do not permanently distort the wire bow. Also, remember to support the front part of the bow when placing or removing the headgear.
  • You may eat with your headgear.
  • You cannot play sports with your headgear.
  • You may wash the neck portion of the headgear in the washing machine if it becomes dirty.

Holding Arch
This is an appliance that is attached to the teeth with rings or bands attached to the bottom first molars. A wire that runs on the tongue side of all of the bottom teeth assures that the molars will not come forward when the baby teeth in front fall out and makes room for the crowded teeth to fit properly. This appliance is also used to push the molars backward in some cases.

Expander
This device may be used in cases where the upper jaw is too narrow compared to the lower jaw. It is attached to the teeth with rings on the back teeth and is usually kept in for about 6-9 months. This is a device that can only be used in childhood or early adolescence. If required, you will be given specific instructions on how to use the expander.

Active Retainers
These retainers may be used in some cases to make minor adjustments to the teeth before traditional braces are used. In rare cases, they may be the only form of treatment you will need to treat your teeth. They may be able to treat the minor forms of the following problems.

  • Spacing of the front teeth
  • An upper tooth caught behind a lower tooth
  • A deep bite
  • Other uncommon problems

Tongue Crib
This appliance is used in cases where the tongue is protruding past the teeth on swallowing. This motion is called a "tongue thrust" which can happen naturally or when the patient sucks his/her thumb. In these cases, the habit has caused damage to the bite by not allowing the front teeth to touch each other properly when biting. This device is typically used for 6-12 months but may be needed for longer periods of time.

Capan Orthodontics, 580 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632