Orthodontic Treatment Stages in Del Mar, CA
Orthodontic treatment can seem intimidating for both parents and children, but because it has been used for so long, it is highly predictable and generally very successful. It can treat an overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overcrowding. At Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic treatment to the patients of Del Mar, CA. Depending on the severity of the malocclusion, treatment can be completed in either two or three distinct stages.
The stages of orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment usually takes between six and thirty months to complete. The total treatment time will depend on the type of malocclusion, the severity, and which type of braces are used to treat it.
Stage 1: The planning stage
Before any treatment can begin, your orthodontist at Sunny Smiles will have to make an exact diagnosis. Several evaluations will be performed, including medical and dental assessments, taking a study model (castings/bite impression of the teeth), digital impressions, and taking panoramic x-rays. Using the data collected, the dentist can create computer-generated images to plan treatment and predict how it should progress. Many orthodontists like to take “before, during, and after” photographs to assess how the treatment progresses.
Stage 2: The active Stage
After diagnosing and developing a customized treatment plan for the patient, the orthodontist will recommend the best orthodontic device(s) and put them in place. Devices used at Sunny Smiles include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. Each type of device will require the patient to have check-ups periodically at their dentist’s office in Del Mar, CA, to ensure that the device is working correctly and that treatment is going as planned.
Stage 3: The retention Stage
Once the active stage has been completed and the teeth are in proper alignment, all orthodontic devices will be removed. A custom retainer will then be created for the patient to wear for a specified period to ensure that the teeth do not shift back to their original positions along the gum line.
Contact us at Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Del Mar, CA, to learn more about orthodontic treatment.
FAQs
Orthodontic treatment at Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics consists of three stages: (1) initial assessment, including scans and X-rays, (2) active treatment with braces or aligners, and (3) retention to maintain the results. Each stage is designed to ensure your child’s smile develops properly and stays in place.
The transition to active treatment depends on your child’s dental development, including the eruption of permanent teeth and jaw growth. Our orthodontist will evaluate these factors and begin active treatment at the right time to ensure optimal results.
The retention stage is crucial for maintaining the new position of your child’s teeth. After braces or aligners are removed, custom retainers help prevent teeth from shifting back. This stage is essential to preserving the long-term results of orthodontic treatment.
At Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we coordinate orthodontic and pediatric dental care to ensure your child’s overall oral health is considered at every stage. We schedule regular check-ups and orthodontic visits, making sure all treatments work together for the best results.
During active treatment, your child will wear braces or clear aligners and will need regular adjustments. We’ll guide you on proper care, including brushing and flossing techniques, and provide advice on food restrictions to ensure treatment progresses smoothly.