EarlyTreatment
The two parts to a perfect smile
The two parts to a perfect smile represents the two critical phases of orthodontic treatment. The first phase is termed developmental treatment, and the second phase is termed completion treatment. Successful, lifelong results can be realized when both phases are carried out at the proper time. Dr. McSurdy stresses an early intervention approach to the orthodontic treatment process. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child be evaluated for orthodontic therapy by the age of seven.
The benefits of developmental treatment
- Creates adequate space for crowded teeth, thus reducing the need for extractions of permanent teeth.
- Reduces the total time in treatment, and the overall treatment is typically completed prior to high school.
- Encourages cooperation: pre-teen patients are very enthusiastic about wearing braces!
- Improves a young person’s self esteem
- Reduces the risk of fracture to protruding front teeth
- Enables the orthodontist to direct jaw growth, thus helping to improve the bite
- Helps make the entire treatment process to be less complex and thus easier for the patient.