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a link below to learn about our Orthodontic and
Pediatric Dentistry Services
Orthodontics
Dento-Facial Growth
& Development
The American Association of
Orthodontists recommends that every child have
an orthodontic evaluation by an Orthodontist as
they approach the age of 7. Early detection and
treatment of specific dento-facial developmental
problems give your child the special edge needed
for a better chance at normal and natural development.
At our office, your child is evaluated for potential
dento-facial developmental problems at a much
younger age. Since most of our patients begin
their dental check-ups between the ages of 1-2,
we are not only evaluating their dentition, but
also their overall growth and development of their
jaws, face and supporting structures. Any significant
variation from normal development (which typically
is recognized at a young age) is diagnosed and
evaluated for future correction and/or guidance
as may be appropriate for your child and their
stage of development. With early diagnosis and
by working with the natural growth of your child’s
dentition and jaws, we can prevent problems from
becoming worse. As your child matures, our dual
specialties can provide the accurate diagnosis,
tooth guidance and appropriate orthodontic intervention
that will ensure the best possible results.
Early treatment should be initiated
for:
• Habits such as tongue
thrusting and thumb sucking
• A constricted palate and airway due to
swollen adenoids or tonsils (in cooperation with
the child’s Ear-Nose-Throat-specialist)
• Moderate to severe protrusion of the teeth
(overbite-overjet) or underbites
• Narrow or underdeveloped jaws (crossbites)
• Facial asymmetries of the jaws and face
• Space maintenance for missing teeth
Facts: Early Treatment
is Important to Consider
Facial Development-
Seventy-five percent of 12-year-olds need orthodontic
treatment for a variety of problems. Yet 90% of
a child’s face has already developed. By
guiding facial development earlier, through the
use of early orthodontic appliances, 80% of the
treatment can be corrected before the adult teeth
are present, by correcting the underlying size,
shape and position of the growing bones of the
lower face.
Cooperation- younger children
between the ages of 8-11 are often much more cooperative
than children near or at the age of high school.
Psycho-socially, it is easier to address and correct
the facial development of a younger child than
on a young adolescent. As children grow and mature,
unresolved developmental problems are more difficult
to correct and the child may negatively internalize
the unfortunate resultant physical characteristics.
Focusing on these traits during their adolescence
is a delicate endeavor for them, but essential
in their pursuit of self-acceptance.
Dento-Facial Orthopedics- Almost
55% of children who need orthodontic treatment
due to a bad bite have underdeveloped or overdeveloped
upper or lower jaws. Early orthodontic treatment
can reposition the jaws, improving the child’s
profile and correcting the bite problem. Early
normalization of dento-facial problems is one
the components in the development of a child’s
self-esteem.
Phase One Orthodontic
Treatment
(Ages 5-12)
In the first phase, the doctor
is interested in the position, size, and symmetry
of the jaws as well as the developing alignment
of the teeth, future growth potential, spacing
of the teeth, breathing and other oral habits
which may, over time, result in abnormal dento-facial
development. Treatment initiated in this phase
of development is often very successful and some
times, though not always, can eliminate the need
for future orthodontic and/or surgical treatment.
Click on image to view
enlarged photo of actual patient of Dr. Surillo
Phase
Two Orthodontic Treatment
(Ages 12 and beyond)
In the second
phase, the doctor will be looking at how your
child’s teeth and jaws fit and work together.
Your child’s teeth will be straightened
and their occlusion (bite) is properly aligned.
Attention will be given to the jaw joint (TMJ),
the maturation of the face and facial profile,
periodontal (gum) tissues and the stability
of the final results. By undergoing the first
phase, we can usually reduce the amount of time
needed for braces on the permanent teeth.
Click on image to view
enlarged photo of actual patient of Dr. Surillo
For
Adults
Great news for
adults: age is not a factor in enhancing the
beauty of your smile and/or reversing the effects
of time on your teeth. Dr. Surillo treats orthodontic
patients of all ages. More than half of our
orthodontic patients are adolescent and adults.
And the results can be very dramatic. Most of
our adult orthodontic patients are the parents
of our child-patients who recognize not only
the improvement in their child’s face
and teeth, but also their self-esteem and realize
that it is possible for them to achieve the
improvements they always wanted. Dr. Surillo
and staff are highly trained and qualified in
all aspects of orthodontic treatment of young
children, adolescents and adults including treatment
in combination with surgery of the jaws (orthognathic
surgery) with the collaboration of an oral-maxillofacial
surgeon specialist.
Click on image to view enlarged photo of actual
patient of Dr. Surillo
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