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Carrollwood

New Tampa

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What is the best time for the first checkup at the orthodontist?

Generally speaking, the best time for the first visit to the orthodontist is about seven years old. At this point, the orthodontist can make a early diagnosis and possible treatment for any facial growth or tooth eruption problems that exist. Patients can be younger if there is an obvious problem, or if an activity such as thumb sucking exists, which can negatively influence the growth and development of the child's teeth and jaws.

What is the best age for orthodontic treatment?

Braces can be done at any age, including adulthood. However, some growth and development problems can best be treated if timed specifically with certain ages and phases of a child's growth and development. A visit to the orthodontist for a consultation appointment is the best way to determine if the child will need early orthopedic corrective treatment, and at which phase of development their jaw and facial structures are in.

What are the types of orthodontic treatment?

• Braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment and modern-day braces are very tiny and are bonded to the tooth for maximal aesthetics and cleanse-ability to the patient. Braces are available in ceramic or clear and the micro-metal types. Our commitment to the use of the most modern materials and knowledge of the most current advancements in the field of orthodontics permit us to provide our patients with the fastest and most comfortable treatment.
• Orthopedic treatment is orthodontic treatment, that corrects bone growth and development problems of the jaw and how teeth are related to the jaws in the growing child. This type of treatment is done on growing children as young as seven years old through early adolescence, depending on the type of problem. For example, the jaw can be expanded to accommodate the erupting permanent teeth, or the lower jaw can be encouraged to grow more forward if it is set back too far. Orthopedic treatments eliminate problems that may require surgical correction in the future if left uncorrected.
• Surgical orthodontic treatment is done in coordination with the oral surgeon when severe bone structural problems exist in the jaws of an adult patient when growth cannot be influenced.