Tag Archives for " Children’s Orthodontics "

Two-phase Orthodontic Treatment in Weston and Miami, Florida.

As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes their oral health. While regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, there are times when your child may require specialized care from an orthodontist. This is especially true when it comes to two-phase orthodontic treatment.

Addressing Misaligned Teeth and Jaws: The First Phase of Treatment

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a process that involves two stages of orthodontic treatment. The first phase usually begins around the age of 7-9 years old when your child’s mouth is still developing. The goal of the first phase is to address any underlying issues with the teeth, jaw, and bite that may lead to more serious problems later on. These issues may include crowded or crooked teeth, jaw misalignment, and bite problems.

During the first phase of treatment, your child will wear braces or other orthodontic appliances to correct these issues. The duration of this phase varies depending on the individual needs of each patient but usually lasts between 6-12 months.

Achieving a Beautiful Smile: The Second Phase of Treatment

After the first phase is complete, there will be a resting period where your child’s teeth and jaws are allowed to continue developing naturally. This period can last from several months to several years, depending on your child’s growth and development.

The second phase of treatment begins once your child’s permanent teeth have fully emerged. This phase is focused on fine-tuning the alignment of the teeth and improving the overall appearance of the smile. This phase typically involves traditional braces or Invisalign® clear aligners, and the duration of treatment can range from 12-24 months.

How Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment Can Save Time, Money, and Discomfort in the Long Run.

Many parents are reluctant to take their children out of school for orthodontic consultations. But it’s important to understand the significance of early orthodontic treatment. By identifying and treating underlying issues early, you can prevent more serious problems from developing in the future, saving time, money, and discomfort for your child down the road.

Orthodontists vs. General Dentists: Understanding the Difference

It’s important to note that orthodontists are the specialists trained to provide this kind of specialized care. While general dentists are knowledgeable about oral health, they may not have the same expertise and training in orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists undergo several years of additional training beyond dental school. Specifically focused on the diagnosis and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws.

Finding the Right Orthodontist in Weston and Miami, FL

If you live in Weston or Miami, FL, you have access to some of the top orthodontic specialists in the country. Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics is a leading provider of two-phase orthodontic treatment, with a team of highly trained professionals dedicated to helping your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

In addition to traditional metal braces, Dr. Yazji also offers clear aligners, such as Invisalign®. It is a more discreet option for patients who may be self-conscious about wearing braces. These aligners are virtually invisible, and patients can remove them for eating, brushing, and flossing, making them a convenient and comfortable option for patients of all ages.

In conclusion, two-phase orthodontic treatment is an important aspect of your child’s oral health, and early intervention can prevent more serious problems from developing in the future. If you live in Weston or Miami, FL, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics to learn more about how two-phase orthodontic treatment can benefit your child’s oral health and overall well-being.

5 signs your child needs orthodontic treatment

As a parent, it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s dental health, and one aspect that often requires attention is their teeth alignment. Orthodontic treatment can help correct misaligned teeth and prevent future dental issues. Here are five signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment, and why it’s important to seek an evaluation sooner rather than later.

1. Crooked Teeth or Misaligned Bite

One of the most obvious signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment is if they have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. Crooked teeth can make it difficult for your child to properly clean their teeth, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. A misaligned bite can cause discomfort and even difficulty with chewing.

2. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking

If your child is experiencing difficulty chewing or speaking, it may be due to dental issues. Misaligned teeth or a misaligned bite can make it harder for your child to properly chew food or speak clearly, which can impact their overall health and development. Children with speaking problems, such as misaligned teeth or a speech impediment, may experience a lack of confidence and social isolation, which can impact their emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.

3. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth

If your child experiences the loss of baby teeth earlier or later than expected, it could be a sign that their teeth are not developing properly. Early or late loss of baby teeth can also impact the alignment of permanent teeth, making orthodontic treatment necessary.

4. Breathing Through the Mouth

If your child is breathing through their mouth rather than their nose, it could be a sign of dental issues. Mouth breathing can impact the growth of the jaw and teeth, leading to misaligned teeth and other dental problems.

5. Persistent Thumb Sucking or Tongue Thrusting

Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are common habits among children, but if they persist past the age of five, it could impact their dental health. These habits can cause misalignment of teeth and impact the development of the jaw and facial structure.

Why Seek Treatment Sooner Rather Than Later

As a parent, it’s common to think that orthodontic treatment is only necessary once your child’s adult teeth have grown in. However, this is not always the case. In fact, orthodontic issues can often be identified at an early age, even before all permanent teeth have emerged. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by the age of 7 to detect potential issues with tooth and jaw alignment. By taking preventative measures early on, you can help avoid more complex and costly treatments down the line. So, don’t wait until your child’s adult teeth have developed to seek an orthodontic consultation. Early intervention can help ensure your child has a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.

Early treatment can help correct misalignment issues before they become more severe, and prevent future dental problems. Additionally, many orthodontists offer financing options to make treatment more affordable for families.

Dr. Maria Yazji: Your Trusted Orthodontist in Miami

If you’re looking for a trusted orthodontist in Miami, look no further than Dr. Yazji. With 27 years of experience, Dr. Yazji provides personalized care for each patient, and offers a range of treatment options to fit every budget. The initial consultation is free, and Dr. Yazji offers financing options to make treatment more affordable for families. Don’t wait until your child’s dental issues become more severe. Contact Dr. Yazji today to schedule an appointment and get your child on the path to a healthier smile.

Invisalign First®: Does My Child Need Invisalign® for kids?

Invisible braces have become increasingly popular among adults and teenagers. But what about Invisalign® for younger kids? It turns out orthodontists can use the same technology for children as young as six years old with Invisalign First®.

Invisalign First® is a great option for parents wanting to give their child a head start on teeth straightening.

Here’s everything to know about Invisalign First® so you can determine if it’s suitable for your family.

What Is Invisalign First®?

Invisalign First® is designed specifically for younger patients who may benefit from early orthodontic treatment. It is similar to adult Invisalign® and uses aligners made of transparent plastic that fit snugly over the teeth. This means kids can have a more discreet orthodontic experience, free from metal brackets and wires.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign First®?

The earlier your child starts orthodontic treatment, the better. An orthodontist can address your child’s issues before they become major, saving time and money.

Invisalign First® offers numerous benefits to young patients, such as:

Less discomfort than traditional braces

Invisalign® aligners won’t irritate the gums or soft tissues in the mouth as metal brackets and wires can. This makes them much more comfortable for younger kids.

Easy to clean

Invisalign® aligners are removable, making it easy for kids to take out and clean on their own. This makes it easier for them to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.

Improved self-esteem

Many children feel self-conscious about having metal braces. Thankfully, the discretion of clear braces can help them feel more confident about their smiles.

If your child needs orthodontic treatment, but you want something more discreet than braces, Invisalign First® is worth considering. Speak with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Yazji to find out if Invisalign® for kids is right for your child.

Seeing an Orthodontist about Invisalign® for kids

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of Invisalign First®, your next step is to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist.

At the initial visit, your orthodontist will assess the condition of your child’s teeth. Then, they will review any necessary X-rays and dental records and discuss possible treatment options. This will give you a better idea of whether your child is a good candidate for Invisalign First®.It will also offer an estimate of how long you can expect treatment to take.

Certain orthodontic issues like severe crowding and jaw misalignment may require traditional braces. However, if Invisalign First® is an option, your orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan to fit your child’s needs.

Conclusion

With children, orthodontic treatment can be more than just correcting crooked teeth. Early intervention with Invisalign First® ensures that your child has the best possible foundation for a healthy and beautiful smile. In addition, if your child needs multiple orthodontic treatments over time, Invisalign First® can make this process much more manageable.

If you think Invisalign First® may be the best option, contact Dr. Yazji today to schedule a consultation. As a Diamond Top 1% Invisalign® Provider, she can offer the personalized care they need to achieve their perfect smile.