Learn About Orthodontics

While Dr. de Leon can improve smiles at any age, there is usually a best age to begin treatment so we can achieve maximum improvement with a minimum amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child’s first visit to an orthodontist should take place when an orthodontic problem is first detected. In all cases the AAO recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by no later than age 7. Although interceptive orthodontic treatment is not always indicated, careful observation can establish the best timing for orthodontic care.

While Dr. de Leon can improve smiles at any age, there is usually a best age to begin treatment so we can achieve maximum improvement with a minimum amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child’s first visit to an orthodontist should take place when an orthodontic problem is first detected. In all cases the AAO recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by no later than age 7. Although interceptive orthodontic treatment is not always indicated, careful observation can establish the best timing for orthodontic care.

Early screening not only provides timely detection of orthodontic problems; it presents more opportunities to provide more effective orthodontic treatment. Timely intervention can gently guide growth and development and prevent more serious problems from occurring. For successful eruption of adult teeth. When interceptive treatment is not needed, Dr. de Leon can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment at the best time. Either way, a timely screening will give you peace of mind and that gives us all something to smile about.

The back bite is established when the first adult molars erupt—usually before age 7. Dr. de Leon can evaluate front to back and side to side (transverse) relationships at this time. The presence of erupting incisors indicates possible crowding, overbite, openbite, gummy smiles and habit patterns. Timely screening gives Dr. de Leon more chances to create an awesome smile.

A timely screening helps parents and patients get to know Dr. de Leon and her Team. Even if immediate treatment is not indicated, we can provide detailed information on what may be needed in the future and appropriate treatment timing.

Interceptive treatment presents the opportunity to:

• CREATE more room for crowded out erupting teeth
• CREATE facial balance by influencing jaw growth
• REDUCE risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• PRESERVE or gain space for un-erupted teeth
• REDUCE the need for permanent tooth removal
• SIMPLIFY treatment time with full braces
• IMPROVE the self image of our children.

What are some of the orthodontic appliances used in growth guidance?

Orthodontic treatment may involve explanding appliance (expander), headgear, retainer, and a limited number of braces. We will use whatever is best to help shape and widen the dental arches. A larger more appropriately shaped dental arch can mean more room for adult teeth coming into the mouth, as well as a more natural smile.

Orthodontics has changed a lot in the past years! New technology has brought a lot of improvement in our treatment methods and for the comfort of our patients. Cosmetic advances are also being made in orthodontics making braces less visible and more comfortable.

Another new thing is invisible braces—Invisalign. They are clear plastic aligners made using sophisticated 3-D computer imaging technology. They are comfortable, removeable and invisible! Dr. de Leon is certified to treat patients with Invisalign, although patient selection is very important.

One of the latest technology that Dr. de Leon has introduced in her practice is the use of “Self-ligating brackets (braces)”. This system allows the doctor to treat patients with greater control and greater efficiency.

The technology that represents the latest advancements in orthodontic appliances that will soon be introduced in Dr. de Leon’s practice is the use of “Temporary Anchorage Devices”.