Orthodontics

Pediatric orthodontic treatment by Dr. Sun will address childhood dental and jaw alignment issues, often beginning around age seven, and uses appliances like braces, aligners, and retainers to guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth. Early intervention can prevent more complex problems later, and treatment options are customized to the child's needs, including correcting issues like underbites, crossbites, crowding, and excessive spacing.

Why early treatment is important

• Guide jaw and bone growth: A young child's jaw is still developing, so orthodontists can guide its growth to create more room for permanent teeth to erupt properly.
• Prevent future problems: Early treatment can correct bite issues like underbites and crossbites, preventing them from becoming more severe and complex later on.
• Improve facial symmetry: Guiding jaw development can help achieve better facial symmetry.
• Address damaging habits: Early treatment can also address habits like prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking that affect tooth and jaw development.

Common treatment methods

• Braces: These consist of brackets, wires, and elastics to move teeth into their correct positions.
  
  
• Clear aligners: These are custom-made, removable trays that are less visible than braces and can be used for some cases.
  
  
• Retainers: These are worn after other orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in their new position.
  
  
• Space maintainers: These are used to hold a space for a permanent tooth when a baby tooth has been lost too early.
  
  
• Archwires: These are the wires that fit into braces and apply the force to move the teeth.
  
  
• Elastics: Small rubber bands used with braces to apply extra force.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by age seven. This allows Dr. Sun to evaluate potential problems early, even before all permanent teeth have erupted.

If you notice any of the following issues, an orthodontic evaluation is recommended:

• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Crowded or spaced-out teeth
• Abnormal bite
• Thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking that affects teeth

What to expect

A customized treatment plan will be created based on your child's specific needs. The treatment may involve two phases: an initial phase to guide jaw growth and a second phase later to align the permanent teeth. Dr. Sun may perform minor orthodontic procedures, but a specialist orthodontist may be recommended for comprehensive treatment.