Children to not have to wait until all their adult teeth come out to have their orthodontics. Modern orthodontic care can begin much earlier. The best time to treat a problen is when it first appears. We offer both removable and fixed orthodontic care for our patients who are children.

          Before orthodontic treatment can begin a patient must first have a written orthodontic treatment plan constructed specially to meet this patient's particular problems. It is done using orthodontic records taken from the patient during a special 3 hour diagnostic appointment. We take impressions to make orthodontic models of the patient's teeth, photographs to document the relationships of the teeth, and several types of x-rays to geometrically analyze the patient's skull and it's relationship to their teeth. The doctor studies the information and approximately two weeks later the patient is invited back and treatment plan presentation is done. At this time the needed care is carefully reviewed and a final cost for the care is determined.

          The development of both tooth bonding and modern miniature brackets has revolutionized orthodontics. Many old concepts and myths about treating adults have been disproved so that many adults are now enjoying the benefits that braces can provide them. Once orthodontic brackets are bonded to a patient's teeth an orthodontic wire is then attached to the brackets. The wire forms a beautiful rounded arch but this ideal arch form is deformed by twisting it into the brackets. The wire then wants to return to it's original beautiful shape and so pushes or pulls the attached teeth on it's way back. Each month a stronger wire is placed into the brackets so that the attached teeth will continue to move. Finally, the attached teeth form a beautiful rounded arch themselves.

          After the upper and lower arches are rounded they must next be made to fit together using elastics which are attached to both the upper and lower arches at the same time. This slides the teeth along the archwires until they fit better. This is a very simple way of viewing orthodontic mechanics but is just intended to give you an idea of how braces work. There are many, many modifications to correct different situations and each case is treated for that patient's situation.

          After treatment is completed retainers are constructed which the patient must wear full time, except for eating, for a year and after that only at night. Almost always, adults must wear their retainers for their lifetime.

         Removable braces can help a child grow dental bone so that the child may not need to have permanent teeth removed later on in life in order to do regular braces. The early use of removable braces may also prevent the need for more expensive orthodontics when all of a child's adult teeth have errupted into the mouth.

          Removable braces are made of plastic and are adjusted at home in order to apply pressure pressure to the child's bone. The constant pressure signals the child's bone to grow. Hopefully, the bone can be guided into a normal growing pattern and assist the child in developing a pleasing and beautiful smile.

          Initial orthodontic consultations are free, so if you're at all interested in improving your smile and bite, be sure to make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.

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