Children

Early intervention, at the stage where both baby and adult teeth are present, allows us to direct growth to minimize future problems when the rest of the teeth come in. Using “functional” appliances we can take advantage of growth stages to guide the eruption of adult teeth. It also helps to get the problems fixed before stressful teenage years. We see the best results with treatments that would be impossible or limited once the face and jaws have fully developed.

A tremendous advantage to having a general dentist like Dr. Prosser who does orthodontics as well is that he is constantly evaluating your child’s normal facial growth and development. This starts at the initial exam and occurs at each periodic exam and cleaning appointment. Such things as improper tongue swallowing patterns, bad habits such as tongue thrusting or finger sucking, snoring, enlarged tonsils and abnormal eruption of teeth can quickly result in a change in tooth alignment, facial bone imbalances and altered facial appearances.

In some cases, the child’s treatment can be broken into several phases to correct problems as they occur. Early intervention will usually allow easier completion of treatment at a later age and often less expense.