BRACES FOR KIDS MISSION VIEJO CA | INVISALIGN FOR KIDS MISSION VIEJO CA
Invest in Your Child’s Future Smile
At Orange County Orthodontics, Dr. Corey Corpodian and his team believe in the power of proactive dental care, especially when it comes to your child’s smile. Early treatment, also known as Phase I orthodontic treatment, is a pivotal step in ensuring their oral health journey starts on the right foot.
Around the ages of 7 to 10, children enter a crucial phase of dental development where certain issues can be identified and addressed proactively. Rather than waiting for problems to worsen, early intervention allows us to intercept potential concerns, guiding jaw growth and tooth alignment in the right direction.
Why Choose Early Treatment for Your Child?
You might wonder why orthodontic treatment needs to begin at such a young age. The answer lies in the remarkable flexibility of a child’s growing jaw. By starting treatment during this developmental window, we can harness the natural growth processes to our advantage, making adjustments that set the stage for a beautifully aligned smile.
But it’s not just about aesthetics;. Early treatment goes beyond straightening teeth. It’s about optimizing oral function and preventing future complications. By addressing issues like crowding, bite problems, or jaw discrepancies early on, we can often avoid the need for more invasive treatments down the road.
Importance of Early Treatment
Understanding Phase I Orthodontic Treatment
Phase I orthodontic treatment, also known as early interceptive treatment, is the initial stage of orthodontic intervention that typically occurs during a child’s formative years, typically between the ages of 7 and 10. But why is it termed “Phase I”?
Think of Phase I as the preparatory phase—a strategic step taken before the child’s permanent teeth have fully erupted. During this phase, our goal is to address specific dental issues and guide the growth of the jaws in a favorable direction. By intervening early, we can prevent potential problems from escalating and pave the way for a smoother Phase II treatment, if necessary.
The Need for Staggered Treatment Phases
You might wonder why orthodontic treatment needs to be staggered into two phases. The rationale lies in the dynamic nature of a child’s dental development.
During Phase I treatment, we focus on intercepting and correcting specific issues such as crowding, bite irregularities, or jaw discrepancies. However, some dental concerns may require additional time to fully address, especially as the child’s permanent teeth continue to emerge.
By staggering treatment into two phases, we can strategically manage the complexities of dental development, ensuring that each stage of treatment is optimized for the best possible outcomes.
Braces for Kids Mission Viejo CA
Braces offer a trusted orthodontic solution for children, addressing a variety of dental issues to promote healthy smiles and optimal oral function. Discover why braces are an excellent choice for your child’s orthodontic needs:
Benefits of Braces for Kids
Braces provide several benefits for children, including improved dental health, enhanced oral function, and boosted confidence. By correcting misalignments and bite issues, braces reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and TMJ disorders.
Properly aligned teeth facilitate efficient chewing, speech, and overall oral function. At the same time, a straight, beautiful smile can enhance your child’s confidence and self-esteem, positively impacting social interactions and self-image.
Types of Braces for Kids
When it comes to braces for children, there are two main options to consider:
- Traditional Metal Braces: Effective and durable, metal braces are ideal for comprehensive orthodontic correction. They consist of metal brackets bonded to the front surface of the teeth, connected by wires and elastic bands.
- Ceramic Braces: Offering a more discreet option, ceramic braces blend with the natural tooth color for enhanced aesthetics during treatment. Made from translucent ceramic materials, these braces are less noticeable compared to traditional metal braces.
- Lingual Braces: Placed behind the teeth, lingual braces are hidden from view, offering a discreet orthodontic option. They are ideal for individuals seeking a more inconspicuous treatment option.
- Self-Ligating Braces: These braces use a specialized bracket system that eliminates the need for elastic bands, allowing for smoother tooth movement and potentially shorter treatment times.
Caring for Braces
Proper oral hygiene is essential for children with braces to maintain good dental health and prevent complications. Children should brush their teeth thoroughly after meals, floss daily, and attend regular dental check-ups. Dr. Corpodian monitors treatment progress through regular follow-up appointments, making adjustments as needed to ensure optimal results.
Cost Considerations
Traditional metal braces can be the most affordable treatment option compared to the ceramic and lingual types. You can expect flexible payment plans at our practice, where we also accept various insurance providers to make orthodontic treatment accessible for families.
Invisalign for Kids Mission Viejo CA
Invisalign offers an innovative orthodontic solution for children, providing a comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional braces. Explore why Invisalign is an excellent choice for your child’s orthodontic needs:
Benefits of Invisalign for Kids
Invisalign aligners offer several benefits for children, including:
- Discreet Treatment: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, allowing children to undergo orthodontic treatment with confidence and without the visibility of traditional braces.
- Removable Convenience: Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier for children to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Additionally, aligners mean children can continue to enjoy their favorite foods without restrictions.
- Comfortable Wear: Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, comfortable plastic materials, minimizing irritation to the gums and cheeks often associated with traditional braces.
Invisalign First for Kids
Invisalign First is specifically designed to guide the development of teeth in children aged between seven and ten years old. Its key features include:
- Wear Indicator: With the blue dot wear indicator feature, parents can monitor compliance and ensure consistent aligner wear.
- Consideration for Growing Teeth: Invisalign First is specially designed to accommodate growing teeth and jaw development in children.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Children who are wearing Invisalign aligners should adhere to a strict oral hygiene regimen, which includes brushing right after meals, regular flossing, and cleaning the aligners following Dr. Corpodian’s instructions. Regular follow-up appointments allow for monitoring of treatment progress and adjustments as needed.
Cost Considerations
Invisalign can be slightly more expensive than braces, but it can save you time and money with fewer appointments and faster treatment time. We offer flexible payment options and accept various insurance providers to make Invisalign treatment accessible for families.
Other Orthodontic Appliances for Kids
In addition to traditional braces, various orthodontic appliances are crucial in addressing specific dental issues in children.
- Palatal Expander: This device aims to widen the upper jaw, creating additional space for permanent teeth and improving bite alignment. Gradually expanding the palate, helps alleviate crowding issues and promotes proper dental development.
- Space Maintainers: Space maintainers are used to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth, preventing neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap. By maintaining the proper alignment of teeth, space maintainers help facilitate the eruption of permanent teeth and promote optimal dental development in children.
- Retainers: Following orthodontic treatment, retainers are essential for maintaining the alignment of the teeth and preventing them from shifting back to their original position. Retainers may be removable or fixed and are custom-made to fit your child’s mouth.
Early Intervention & Treatment Process
Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation
Dr. Corey Corpodian, our experienced orthodontist, will conduct a comprehensive examination, which may include dental X-rays, digital scans, and other diagnostic tests, to assess your child’s oral structures and identify any underlying issues.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on the findings of the initial evaluation, Dr. Corpodian will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique needs and goals. This treatment plan will outline the specific orthodontic interventions recommended for Phase I treatment.
Step 3: Introduction to Orthodontic Appliances
Depending on your child’s orthodontic needs, Phase I treatment may involve the use of various orthodontic appliances to guide jaw growth, create space for permanent teeth, or correct bite irregularities. Dr. Corpodian will carefully explain how each appliance works and provide instructions on how to care for them properly.
Step 4: Monitoring Progress
Throughout Phase I treatment, our orthodontic team will closely monitor your child’s progress. Regular check-up appointments will be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal results. Dr. Corpodian may also recommend periodic X-rays to track jaw growth and tooth development.
Step 5: Supportive Care and Guidance
We understand that orthodontic treatment can be a significant milestone in your child’s life, and we’re here to offer guidance, encouragement, and answers to any questions or concerns you may have along the way.
Step 6: Transition to Phase II Treatment
As Phase I treatment nears completion, Dr. Corpodian will evaluate your child’s dental progress and determine the appropriate next steps. In some cases, Phase II orthodontic treatment may be recommended to fine-tune tooth alignment and bite mechanics further. Our team will work closely with you to ensure a seamless transition to Phase II treatment if needed.
