What is the right age?
We recommend that children have an evaluation as early as age 7. If you are not ready to begin treatment, we will monitor dental development so that we can properly time the start of orthodontic treatment. Starting orthodontic treatment at the right age can minimize time and expense.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic
evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you.
Carriere Distalizer Appliance
An Exciting, State-of-the-Art Technique Provided at Bozek Milligan Orthodontics
What does it do?
It corrects posterior occlusion to an ideal Class 1 alignment first by rotating and uprighting the maxillary first molars while distalizing the posterior segment, from canine to premolar to molars, into a perfect occlusion.
Simultaneously produces a light, uniform force for distal molar movement.
Independently moves each posterior segment, from canine to premolar to molar as a unit.
Used at the beginning of treatment when there are no competing forces in the mouth allows the distalization of the molars and premolars from 3-6mm range on average.
What this means to you and your child… a great head start at the beginning of treatment, reducing time and visits later on. We do the majority of the elastic phase early on while you are motivated and excited to see changes! The Carriere Distalizer is ultra-smooth, easy to clean around and gentle!
We are proud to be using this state of the art technique! Come in for a consult to see if you or your child can benefit from early intervention, and get a jump start on a great bite!
