Some children as early as 5 or 6 years of age may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation.   Although treatment is unusual at this early age, some preventative treatment may be indicated.

What are the stages of treatment?

Generally, there are two or three stages of orthodontic treatment. Most patients will benefit from an active corrective stage followed by a retention stage. Some patients will benefit from two active treatment stages often referred to as two phase treatment.

First Phase of Treatment   

Dr. Nisco believes that your child could benefit from two phases of orthodontic treatment based on examination of your child's mouth and study of diagnostic records. The goal of this treatment is to create a better environment for your child's permanent teeth. A first phase of tretament is initiated to:

- Prevent a problem from developing ( preventive treatment).

- Intercept a developing problem ( interceptive treatment).

- Guide the growth of the jaw bones that support the teeth 

  (Growth modification).

 
 

Fixed Appliances

 Fixed appliances are worn all the time and are often indicated for problems that require a more aggressive or time-sensitive treatment. Fixed orthopedic appliances are the various types of palate expanders and functional appliances.  Palatal expanders are used to make the upper jaw wider. The brackets, bands and wires are fixed orthodontic appliances as well most often associated with “braces.” After expansion is done brackets are placed to align and move teeth in to the space gained by widening the jaw.

 

        

   RME - Rapid Maxillary Expander                     Quad Helix                                      RME and Braces


 
Removable Appliances

A removable functional appliance is an appliance designed to guide the growth of the jaws and face. Removable appliances for children are also know as an orthopedic functional appliances that help correct growth discrepancies. These appliances utilize the muscle action produced when speaking, eating and swallowing to produce force to move the teeth and align the jaws. They can have many shapes and appearances. Removable appliances are easier to keep clean, but can be lost or misplaced.  Patients who have trouble wearing removable appliances can often be treated with fixed appliances. 

                                       

                                     BP - Schwartz                                                 Schwartz
 

                                 

                                     High Pull Headgear                                   Reverse Pull Headgear

 

Call for an appointment: 
Fountain Valley, CA (714) 979-1400
Arrowhead Lake, CA  (909) 337-4646