The American Orthodontic Association recommends that a child
receive his or her first orthodontic examination no later than age 7. Early
diagnosis and treatment, if needed, may eliminate the need for permanent tooth
extractions or jaw surgery. Typical signs of the need for an orthodontic exam
may include, but are not limited to, the early or late loss of teeth,
difficulty in chewing, mouth-breathing, finger sucking, crowded teeth, jaw
dysfunction, a sunken or protruding jaw or missing or displaced permanent teeth.
Our initial exams and subsequent observation appointments are complimentary and
are the most sensible means of ensuring proper oral health.
Orthodontics is more than straightening crooked teeth. An overbite,
an under bite, a dysfunctional smile and a sunken or protruding chin all can be
corrected with orthodontic treatment. Proper tooth and jaw alignment are
critical to achieving long-term oral health.
We feel that treatment at this time provides us with the
greatest opportunity to achieve the best result. Adolescent children are
searching for their identity and their way in life. Thus, treating at this time
also allows us to provide encouragement and guidance as the child matures.
Many adults were unable to get orthodontic treatment during
their childhood. As a result, they have simply lived with misaligned teeth or a
dysfunctional bite most of their lives. Orthodontics can be rewarding to our
adult patients. We find that our adult patients are very motivated.
Teeth provide the support structure for the soft tissue of
the lower face, including lips, cheeks, and marionette lines. By re-positioning
the teeth and jaw, skin can appear tighter and lips can appear fuller. We can
often achieve greater facial aesthetics without surgery or the extraction of
teeth by creating a treatment plan utilizing appliances that can expand the jaw
and re-position teeth and gums.
Mesa Gilbert
1635 North Greenfield Rd. Suite 103 1355 South Higley Rd. Suite
105
Mesa, AZ 85205 Gilbert,
AZ 85296
T: 480-615-8888 T:
480-888-7711