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Lathe Miller Orthodontics
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Early Orthodontic Treatment

EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN

What is the difference between early orthodontic treatment and regular orthodontic treatment, and why might my child need early treatment? How will early treatment benefit my child in the long run?

These are just a few of the questions surrounding the topic of early orthodontic treatment for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven. At this point the orthodontist will evaluate whether your child will need orthodontic treatment.

Early treatment (also known as Phase One) typically begins around age eight or nine (Phase Two will begin around age 11 or older). The goal of early treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, such as underbite. Early treatment also helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, lessening the chance of extractions in the future.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CHILD MAY NEED EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)
  • Difficulty chewing and/or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
  • Speech impediments
  • Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
  • Teeth that don’t come together in a normal manner or even at all
  • Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
  • Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

WHAT CAUSES ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS, AND HOW WILL EARLY TREATMENT BENEFIT MY CHILD?

Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.

Most children lose all their baby teeth by age 13, and by the end of their teen years, the jaw bones will harden and stop growing. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction or oral surgery. Receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.

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Invisalign Top Provider Grand Rapids MI

About Us

Dr. Miller’s practice is committed to offering his patients comprehensive and well-rounded orthodontic treatments that have their health, comfort, and happiness foremost in mind. Read More →

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  • Common Treatments
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Contact Us

Miller Orthodontics
4875 Cascade Rd SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

(616) 942-9320

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Notice to all:

Miller Orthodontics Family

Protecting everyone is our number one priority.

Please let us know if anyone in your family is sick or in quarantine.

If this is the case, please contact us to reschedule your appointment. We will be more than happy to find another time that works for you to make your visit safe and convenient.

Practice Visit Instructions:

When arriving for your appointment, please remain in your car and TEXT 616-202-5649.

We will then text you a reply and ask for the patient to enter the building.

Please have only the patient enter the lobby unless a parent or guardian is asked to join as well.  A parent or guardian may escort a minor child to the door, but we ask that you return to your vehicle for the duration of the appointment.

Anyone entering the building will be required to wear a mask at all times other than during treatment. A clinical team member will meet each patient in the lobby to take the patient’s temperature, have them use hand sanitizer, and re-screen them with the COVID-19 questionnaire before bringing them into the office.

Unfortunately, our tooth brushing station will be closed, so please brush before your appointment. We ask that each patient adheres to prescribed social distancing practices while in the office. Our waiting room will remain closed or the time being, so please return to your car after you have been checked out from your appointment.

After your visit, we will email, text, or call you with your next follow-up appointment.

If a change is requested, we will do our best to accommodate your scheduling needs.

Our administration team is always available to answer any financial, insurance, or scheduling questions you may have.

Please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

For emergencies, please email Dr. Miller at [email protected]

 

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Lathe Miller and the

Miller Orthodontic Team