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OrthodonticsCROOKED TEETHTeeth become crooked if the jaws grow incorrectly.The most common causes of incorrect jaw growth are breathing problems such as asthma, croup or allergies as wells as simple things like thumb sucking or hanging the mouth open. This incorrect growth can also affect a child’s breathing, body posture, overall appearance and health, so mothers may then seek advice from either their family medical or dental practitioner. Crooked teeth, crowded jaws, overbites and bad bites are all covered by the dental term “malocclusion”. Traditional treatment of malocclusion is with orthodontics which usually involves the removal of baby teeth and/or adult teeth (extractions), the use of “train tracks” (fixed braces) and sometimes jaw surgery. The braces are fitted only to adult teeth and so the treatment usually can’t be started until the child is 11 or 12 years of age or even older. This means a significant amount of time goes by waiting for the child to be old enough for treatment. Parents are aware that these are sensitive personality forming years and that the early development of their child’s social skills and self confidence may be hampered by a less than pleasing smile or compromised health. All this can be avoided if the jaws can be encouraged to grow correctly from a young age. SO WHAT MAKES DCO DIFFERENT?Firstly, at DCO teeth are not extracted to “correct” malocclusion. Instead the jaws are developed to accommodate the teeth. We believe that a broad smile is more attractive, and treatment to accommodate the teeth helps keep the airway from being compromised. Baby teeth are not extracted and adult teeth are not extracted to alleviate crowding for children, adolescents or adults. Instead, space is made for the teeth. (Wisdom teeth are a separate issue.) Here is one recent case example;
Secondly, Treatment for children and adolescents is done as early as possible to achieve the best result in the shortest amount of time. Dr Simeone has been able to start treatment on children as young as 4 years of age or as soon as a growth problem is identified to encourage the jaws to grow correctly with the aim of avoiding the need for braces at a later age. Treatment is only ever started when the parents and child are completely satisfied and comfortable with Dr Simeone’s recommendations. Thirdly, the balance of the face and the airway are the primary concern with straight teeth being a lesser part of the overall treatment goal. FIRST VISIT AT AGE 3 YEARSWe like to see children as young as 3 years of age.Treatment often begins in the 6-10 year age group if there is crowding or less than ideal facial balance. We would much prefer seeing a child early before it is the appropriate time for treatment than having to tell a parent it is too late for ideal treatment. |
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