Friendly Salem, OR Children’s Orthodontist
At Bryan Johnson Orthodontics, we believe that your child should start building a strong foundation for better jaw growth on order to achieve a lifetime of healthy smiles. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, it is recommended that all children should have their orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. By doing so, Dr. Bryan Johnson can detect any early indications of common orthodontic problems such as crowding, crossbites, or premature loss of baby teeth that can lead to development issues.
Having your child start his or her orthodontic treatment early can prevent:
- Bad oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
- Difficulties in chewing
- Misalignment of the jaws (too forward or too back)
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
During your child’s consultation with Dr. Johnson, he can determine if early treatment is necessary through a two phase approach. Each phase begins at the appropriate time that is determined by your child’s dental needs and growth.
Phase 1: Early Treatment
The Phase 1 treatment is designed to provide enough space for the permanent adult teeth to erupt properly. Without the necessary alignments, it can cause serious dental problems that may need teeth removal or jaw surgery in the future. Dr. Johnson may provide your child with the appropriate dental appliance to correct any crossbites, underbites, overcrowding, and gapped teeth. This treatment usually lasts between 9 to 18 months and is carefully monitored by our Salem, OR orthodontist.
Phase 2: Traditional Metal Braces
Once all the permanent teeth have erupted, Phase 2 treatment can begin. Using traditional metal braces or clear aligners, all the permanent teeth are moved into the proper position along the jaws to maximize its appearance and functionality. Once this treatment is completed, your child may be required to wear retainers in order to maintain that beautiful, new smile.
Schedule A Children's Orthodontist Appointment in Salem
If you are unsure if your child needs orthodontic treatment in Salem or have any questions in regards to our Two Phase process, please feel free to contact us. Our experienced children’s orthodontist will work closely with you to ensure that your child is receiving the best orthodontic care possible. We are committed to providing high quality and exceptional service to patient of all ages in a friendly and welcoming environment.