|
Health Topics
Your Child and Braces
How Is Orthodontic Treatment Done?
Simply put, when pressure is properly applied
to the teeth and structure of the mouth, an orthodontist can alter the placement of teeth and stretch
the jaw so that all the teeth
fit correctly.
There are two phases to orthodontics: interceptive orthodontic
treatment (ideally done no later than age 8) and Class I orthodontic
treatment (often
beginning at age 12). Interceptive orthodontics manipulates a child’s
growing jaw to make room for permanent teeth and correct bite problems.
This treatment often lasts 3 to 14 months. When most of the permanent
teeth have come in (around age 12), full orthodontic treatment such as
braces
begins. It may take two to two-and-a-half years to straighten teeth.
It will take longer depending on what needs to be corrected and how cooperative
the patient is.
Be assured that braces and other dental appliances do
not keep a child
from eating a normal diet or playing sports and instruments, and they
typically do not interfere with normal speech (although they may take
some getting used to).
Last updated May 2004
Do you have thoughts, questions, advice on this topic? Post your stories and comments in the forum for other parents to respond to. Enter the forum now.
|
 |
Postings |
"I am so excited about this ministry. As a young family, just starting to raise children, it is so important for us to have resources like this to come to with questions, and then receive answers from people who love the Lord. Thank you!"
—Deerfield, WI
|
Other parents need you! Meet them in the forum. |
|
|
