Early Treatment

TRUSTED PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTIST PALO ALTO

Setting the Stage for a Healthy Smile

While we mostly see teens and adults wearing braces or requiring orthodontic intervention, setting the stage for healthy, properly aligned teeth and bites in kids also requires early treatment. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists advises that children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven.

Rest assured, this initial visit doesn’t automatically lead to braces. Instead, it allows us to assess your child’s dental and jaw development, identify any potential issues, and determine the optimal timing for treatment. Our pediatric orthodontist Palo Alto team is committed to monitoring your child’s oral health and keeping you informed at every step of the way.

early treatment

The Benefits of Pediatric Orthodontics in Palo Alto

Early Problem Detection
Our early intervention enables us to detect emerging dental problems, including potential issues like:

  • Crowding
  • Spacing
  • Underbites
  • Overbites
  • Crossbites
  • Open bites

Comprehensive Evaluation
As your child’s permanent teeth are still emerging, we can conduct a comprehensive assessment of their front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. This meticulous evaluation forms the foundation for creating a personalized treatment plan that ensures your child’s dental health and overall well-being for years to come.

Easier and Cost-Effective Solutions
Addressing orthodontic issues during childhood makes treatment considerably easier and more cost-effective in the long run. It eliminates the need for complex surgeries or extractions in their teenage years or adulthood.

Avoiding Future Complications
By taking action in childhood, your child can steer clear of potential complications that may arise if these issues are left unattended. Investing in early treatment not only secures a brighter and healthier smile but also contributes to their long-term dental confidence and happiness.

Adolescent Treatment Options
Early intervention opens doors to advanced treatments like Invisalign during adolescence, offering a more comfortable and discreet orthodontic experience. It’s worth noting that adolescent treatment is typically quicker and more cost-effective, given their ongoing development stage, making it a smart investment in your child’s future oral health.

Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Intervention

Determining the right time to consult an orthodontist for your child can be as simple as keeping an eye out for these potential indicators:

Baby Teeth Timing
Keep an eye on your child’s baby teeth – losing them too early or too late can impact the growth of permanent teeth, and orthodontists specialize in addressing such variations.

Chewing Discomfort
Painful chewing isn’t normal; it could signal underlying orthodontic issues that require attention.

Mouth Breathing
While orthodontists can’t correct mouth breathing itself, they can address orthodontic problems that may arise due to this breathing pattern.

Jaw Alignment
Notice any shifting or clicking in the jaws? Orthodontists are experts at assessing bite alignment and ensuring it’s properly balanced.

Cheek Biting
Frequent cheek biting may indicate crossbites or other conditions affecting normal chewing.

Facial Harmony
The appearance of facial features is influenced by teeth and jaw alignment. Orthodontists excel in evaluating these relationships to achieve facial balance.

early orthodontic treatment

Our Comprehensive Interceptive Treatment Options

At Palo Alto Orthodontics, we are committed to providing personalized care for your child’s orthodontic needs. If deemed necessary, we will design a customized treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique requirements. Our approach often involves a two-phase treatment strategy, leveraging early diagnosis and effective orthodontic appliances and treatments.

Phase I – Early Intervention

During this initial phase, conducted while your child still has baby teeth, we may utilize a range of orthodontic appliances, including:

  • Expanders: These devices gently widen the dental arch, creating space for proper tooth alignment.
  • Habit Appliances: For children with thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits, we can use specialized appliances to encourage healthier habits.
  • Removable or Fixed Appliances: Depending on your child’s needs, we may recommend removable or fixed devices to address specific issues.

Phase I treatment typically lasts about 12 to 21 months and can:

  • Boost Self-Esteem: Early treatment enhances your child’s confidence, allowing them to smile without hesitation.
  • Facilitate Proper Eruption: Addressing crowding issues ensures that your child’s teeth can emerge correctly, promoting a healthier, more comfortable bite.
  • Preserve Space for Permanent Teeth: Our interventions create ample room, preventing future dental crowding and ensuring a smoother transition to permanent teeth.
  • Enhance Facial Harmony: Early orthodontic care contributes to balanced facial symmetry, enhancing your child’s overall appearance.
  • Prevent Tooth Impaction: Proactive measures in childhood minimize the risk of teeth becoming impacted or causing complications later in life.
  • Correct Various Orthodontic Issues: Phase I treatment effectively targets a range of concerns, including crossbites, overbites, underbites, and more.

Phase II – Adolescent Treatment
Following a resting period after Phase I, your teenager may transition to Phase II, where we may utilize:

  • Braces: Traditional braces offer precise control and are effective for comprehensive alignment.
  • Invisalign: Invisalign provides a discreet and comfortable orthodontic experience, perfect for adolescent patients.
  • Orthodontic Appliances: Depending on your teenager’s specific needs, we may recommend additional orthodontic appliances for optimal results.
teen orthodontic treatment palo alto

Role of the Orthodontist in Early Treatment

A pediatric orthodontist plays a pivotal role in guiding your child towards a healthier and more confident smile through early treatment. Here’s an overview of their responsibilities:

Dental Development Assessment
Orthodontists are trained to assess your child’s dental development comprehensively. They closely examine not only the alignment of the teeth but also the development of the jaw, palate, and facial structures.

Personalized Treatment Plan
After a thorough assessment, orthodontists work closely with parents to create a personalized treatment plan. It outlines the recommended course of action, including whether early treatment (Phase I) is necessary or if it’s best to wait until adolescence for treatment (Phase II).

Guidance and Education
Orthodontists prioritize educating parents, empowering them with a collaborative approach that not only sheds light on the benefits of early intervention but also includes guidance on breaking habits that may contribute to dental irregularities.

Invisalign for Kids

Meet Your Local Pediatric Orthodontist in Palo Alto

Dr. Jenny Yoo

Dr. Jenny Yoo offers top-notch orthodontic care in a friendly, upbeat environment using the latest technological advances, including invisible ceramic brackets, Invisalign supported by digital imaging and advanced computer graphics, and self-ligating brackets.

Dr.Yoo loves helping residents of Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Atherton, and the surrounding area achieve the beautiful smiles they deserve. She remains dedicated to expanding her knowledge in orthodontics, Invisalign, ideal function, and esthetics through continuous education.

Meet Dr. Jenny Yoo

Consultation and Getting Started

Embarking on your child’s orthodontic journey begins with a simple yet crucial step – scheduling a free consultation. Here’s what parents can expect during this initial phase:

  • Scheduling a Consultation: To get started, parents can reach out to our office to schedule a FREE consultation for your child.
  • Initial Assessment: During the consultation, Dr. Yoo and our team will make you and your child comfortable as we conduct the assessment using advanced techniques like digital imaging and low-radiation X-rays.
  • Discussion of Treatment Options: Following the assessment, Dr. Yoo will explain the treatment options available and recommended for your child’s case.
  • Addressing Questions and Concerns: We want parents to feel confident and well-informed about the proposed treatment plan and the steps involved.

Book a Consultation

Set an appointment with Palo Alto Orthodontics today and let our friendly team assist you and answer any questions you may have. In orthodontics, early treatment is better than waiting. Don’t delay the opportunity to gift your child a healthy smile. Get your FREE consultation today!

Small Kid, Patient Visiting Specialist In Dental Clinic

Contact Info

Call or Text:
650-327-2310

Email:
smile@paloaltoorthodontics.com

Fax:
650-999-0710

Address:
905 Middlefield Rd, Suite A
Palo Alto, CA 94301

Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: By appointment only