Questions & Answers
EARLY INTERCEPTIVE FACIAL ORTHOPEDICS
Answers to some frequently asked questions:
Our facial orthopedic approach often involved starting treatment earlier than has been customary in the past. Parents often have questions about this "interceptive" or "two-phase" approach.
Q. Why don't we wait until all the permanent teeth are in and just "do it once"?
A. Our early treatment is oriented toward encouraging proper development of the facial bones and not just alignment of the teeth. By the time the permanent teeth have all erupted the child is often thirteen or fourteen and growth is almost complete.
Q. What's the difference between facial orthopedics and orthodontics?
A. Orthodontics means "normal teeth". Facial orthopedics means "normal face and bones" which is a much more comprehensive approach. It is "more thatn straight teeth".
Q. Can the treatment really affect my child's adult facial appearance?
A. Of course there is a genetic influence upon the look and shape of the face. However, it is fact that improper oral habits and posture can negatively influence the facial characteristics of a growing child. We have found that an interceptive orthopedic approach can definitely have a positive influence on lip shape, cheek fullness, chin prominence and other facial features.
Q. Im more concerned about function than appearance. Are there any benefits of facial orthopedics in this area?
A. There certainly are. The jaws are the foundation for proper dental development. Just like a building, the teeth must have a solid well- placed foundation, or they can't be as strong, work as well, or be as lasting.
Q. I think my child has "Dad's teeth on Mom's jaws". Will interceptive treatment have any effect on the need to remove permanent teeth?
A. Most definitely. The need for extraction is reduced significantly by proper jaw development during the growth years. Saving these teeth often results in a fuller smile, more attractive facial appearance, and better dental function.
Q. Are there other advantages to early treatment?
A. Yes, several. First, patient compliance is much better in children before they become "rebellious teenagers". Excellent patient cooperation is necessary for great results. Second, if poor habits are left alone, they become more difficult to change and may become permanent. This means that they could still cause problems after treatment is completed and affect the permanency of our results. Third, speech development is usually enhanced by proper development of jaws and teeth.
Q. Will we still have to put on braces at the usual orthodontic age?
A. Usually a later phase of orthodontics with fixed braces is necessary to finalize the details of a proper bite and a great looking smile. However, please don't get the idea that this is "doing it over". The goals of the early interceptive phase are oriented toward bones and function while the later treatment is more involved with proper tooth alignnment. Both phases are important in achieving outstanding results.
Q. Will this type of treatment be more expensive?
A. Since this newer approach involves more time and materials, fees can be slightly higher for two phase treatment. However, we hope you will be comfortable with your added investment in better and more permanent treatment for your child. We are happy to openly discuss fees and payment programs with you.
