At ABC Dentistry & Orthodontics in Schaumburg, our dental team understands the importance of early intervention in orthodontic care. Our board-certified pediatric dentists are highly skilled in recognizing the childhood habits and developmental changes that can affect the future of a child's smile. With specialized interceptive orthodontic services, our team can help patients address potential smile misalignment, bite issues and more, early on – before they have the chance to escalate or require more intensive orthodontic treatment in the future.
Creating Healthy Habits
Children who engage in prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use, or those who experience premature tooth loss, may develop bite irregularities such as impacted teeth, crossbites, or overbites. Our early bite assessments allow us to identify these developing issues and implement strategies to guide proper dental development. By addressing these concerns proactively, we aim to minimize or even eliminate the need for extensive orthodontic treatment during adolescence.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry highlights the connection between early habit cessation and reduced orthodontic needs. While weaning can be challenging, it is a crucial step in safeguarding your child's oral health. Dr. Samantha Cordell and our team at ABC Dentistry & Orthodontics are dedicated to providing guidance and support to families in navigating these developmental stages. We offer practical advice and treatment options to mitigate the effects of prolonged habits and ensure healthy dental development.
Early Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment
Interceptive orthodontic treatment typically begins when a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Our approach is tailored to each child's unique needs, focusing on fostering the proper eruption of permanent teeth and optimal jaw growth. This may involve various strategies, including the extraction of retained baby teeth to create space, the use of habit appliances to discourage harmful habits, or palate expanders to widen the jaw. We carefully consider each child's individual needs to determine the most effective course of action.
Phase I and Phase II Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment isn't always a one-size-fits-all approach, particularly for growing children. To address diverse needs and maximize long-term results, Dr. Edgcomb may use a two-phase treatment strategy.
Phase I Orthodontics
This early intervention, typically initiated while a child still retains some baby teeth, focuses on addressing developing orthodontic problems as early as possible. Phase I orthodontic treatment is designed to create a more favorable environment for the eruption of a child's permanent teeth, and the proper development of the jaw.
This phase is about preventing future orthodontic concerns, Common Phase I treatments include the use of palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw, space maintainers to preserve space for erupting permanent teeth, and limited braces to correct specific issues like crossbites or severe crowding. By addressing these concerns early on, Phase I treatment can minimize the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later, potentially shorten the duration of Phase II treatment, and reduce the likelihood of complex procedures like tooth extractions for crowded teeth. With Phase I orthodontics, Dr. Edgcomb and her team can help create a strong foundation for a future of healthy, beautiful smiles.
Phase II Orthodontic Treatment
Phase II orthodontics typically begin once most or all of a child's permanent teeth have erupted. This stage is focused on achieving the final, ideal alignment of teeth and the correct bite relationship. Traditional braces or clear aligners are commonly used to precisely position each tooth, ensuring a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Phase II refines the groundwork laid in Phase I, addressing any remaining misalignment, bite discrepancies, and spacing issues. The goal is to create a harmonious balance between the teeth, jaws, and facial structure, resulting in a healthy, beautiful, and stable smile. Phase II treatment is personalized to each patient's smile; Dr. Edgcomb will custom-design each treatment plan and carefully monitor treatment progression, adjusting along the way as needed. Overall, Phase II aims to deliver a lasting, confident smile that enhances a child's oral health and overall well-being.
Orthodontic Screenings
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children complete an orthodontic screening by age seven. This allows our orthodontist to identify potential issues like misalignment, bite discrepancies, crowding, or jaw dysfunction early on. Addressing these concerns during this critical developmental period can significantly influence the future alignment of the teeth, jaw, and facial structure.
Scheduling Your Child's Orthodontic Consultation with Our Pediatric Dentists
Our board-certified pediatric dentists and orthodontists at ABC Dentistry & Orthodontics are committed to providing gentle and effective care. We offer convenient scheduling, including early morning, evening, and weekend appointments, as well as same-day emergency services. We also provide sedation options for anxious patients and flexible payment plans to ensure that quality care is accessible to all families in Schaumburg and the surrounding communities. With over 32 years of experience and a commitment to serving our diverse community, we are dedicated to helping your child achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Contact us today to schedule your child's orthodontic consultation!
