OT-Orthodontics??

[SplashMountainMama]

The other thread on cavities reminded me that I wanted to ask for opinions on something related. Thought I'd come here for some advice since DH and I are new to the world of orthodontics and we're trying to figure it all out. I'm sure many of you have kids with orthodontics so I'm just wondering how old they were when they first got something done? Our 2 oldest DS (10 and 9) just went for their 1st visit with the orthodontist and I left so confused about what to do. She (the orthodontist) basically said that they have to do a whole bunch of stuff to them while their jaws are still growing (palatal expanders,etc) to minimize the need for braces in the future. She also said that it's unlikely these preliminary treatments will eliminate the need for braces. To me, this kind of begs the question, if they're going to need them anyways why bother with the $$ for the preliminary stuff?? My DH thinks it's just a way for the orthodontists to get more $$ out of the patients and is unsure of getting it done. Anyone else want to share their experiences with this??

 

[packofjedis]

I just went through this with my 8 yr old, so I can answer some of this for you.

My 8 yr old had a cross bite and very crowded teeth. The orthodontist put him in top and bottom expanders for 6 mo. Basically, it "broke" his palate and made his mouth wider to fit the size of his teeth. This really widened his bite, gave more room in between his teeth, and caused a lot of them to loosen! Now he's had the expanders out, and he has a holding wire top and bottom - basically it's anchored to his molars and it's a wire running across the roof of his mouth or behind his front bottom teeth. That's to hold the progress they made so it doesn't move back. From what I was told, you can only do this until a certain age since then their palate hardens and it wouldn't work (or maybe not as fast?).

He's not ready for braces yet. They're wanting him to lose a couple more teeth first. Then he'll go into top and bottom braces.

To answer your husband's questions - my husband had the exact same question - it's done differently now than in before. Instead of pulling any teeth, the goal is to make their mouth be the same size as their teeth. My son will not have any teeth pulled since they made room. A benefit from not pulling teeth is that they're not scootching all your front teeth around to the sides of your mouth. I've also heard that if you have teeth pulled and they then shift them around, it can make your chin look different (???). What I think is that it's just the new way for braces. Back when, everyone got braces in high school. Now it's elementary. When our kids have kids, it'll be different. I do know of some people now still have teeth pulled, but the drs around here seem like they're trying to avoid it by doing these other things.

My other son has been told that he has plenty of room, so we're waiting on him to lose a couple more teeth, then it's on to braces for him.

I've also heard of different "phases" of braces. My neighbor's daughter has been in expanders, then 2 sets of braces. She's had something going on for almost 7 years! I specifically asked how many phases and how long. I don't want to be on the 7 yr plan!!!

Hope this was somewhat of a help. Good luck. The expanders weren't very much fun for me. I would suggest going to Walmart and getting a cheap waterpik-type thing. You'll need it since food gets wedged in them and it's MUCH easier to squirt it out! The good thing is that kids are so resilient. It seemed to bother me much more than him!

 

[Omma]

Most orthodontists recommend an evaluation between age 7 & 8. Many orthodontists now use what is referred to as "Phase I" and "Phase II" treatment. Phase I treatment often includes rapid palatal expanders, headgear, etc. Phase II is what most of us consider "regular braces" once all of their permanent teeth are in.

For our oldest daughter Phase I actually saved some of her permanent teeth. Her upper canines were completely blocked out by her upper laterals (the teeth right next to your front teeth). As the permanent canines were coming down on top of the laterals they could have reabsorbed the roots just like they would have to push out a baby tooth. A rapid palatal expander helped make enough room for the canines to come down in the position they should have. Phase I only lasted 1 year and now she will sleep with a retainer until all of her permanent teeth come in and she has "regular braces" or Phase II.

Often doing Phase I while they are younger makes Phase II shorter and less involved (and less expensive!) when they are older. Plus I personally think it is a lot easier to have braces in 2nd grade when it is "cool" than it is in Jr. High. So the shorter the treatment time in Jr. High/High school the better.

 

[Kriii]

Agree with what the two previous posters said. DD has gone through the whole bottom and top expansion and two sets of braces. By expanding the palate, room was made for all teeth plus an overbite was corrected. Braces will be removed by this summer, in time for 8th grade. The system seemed to work well!

 

[annie1995]

Agree with what the two previous posters said. DD has gone through the whole bottom and top expansion and two sets of braces. By expanding the palate, room was made for all teeth plus an overbite was corrected. Braces will be removed by this summer, in time for 8th grade. The system seemed to work well!

Ditto!!! My son just completed phase 1, and will be starting phase 2 next month. We are hoping it will be off by the time he starts 9th grade!!