Dr. Doleac is an Orthodontist and has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Orthodontic treatment.
Q. At what age should a parent take their child to an Orthodontist?
A. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist at age of 7 years. I seldom begin any treatment at this age, but I do give parents a prognosis on later orthodontic treatment.
Q. What is the duration for an Orthodontic treatment?
A. This can vary greatly, but for routine treatment started when all permanent teeth are erupted, 18 months is a good estimate.
Q. What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
A. An early orthodontic evaluation allows preparation of the patient and parents for future orthodontic needs. Additionally,
missing teeth and other growth disturbances or habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrust) can be detected and treated if appropriate.
Q. What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
A. Interceptive treatment allows for the early correction or improvement of severe developmental and/or esthetic problems.
Q. Why should malocclusions be treated?
A. Malocclusions should be treated for both functional and esthetic reasons. Functionally, the teeth best protect each other and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) when they are in proper occlusion. Rightly or wrongly, a person’s smile influences the way others relate to them, both personally and professionally.
Q. What are the early symptoms of orthodontic problems?
A. Generally speaking, if a child’s baby teeth (deciduous dentition) align nicely with no spaces, then there will probably not be enough room for all the permanent teeth to erupt.
Q. What are the consequences of my child not getting needed orthodontic treatment?
A. That, of course, depends on the malocclusion. In general, malocclusions can cause accelerated wear on the teeth and in the absence of good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) lead to accelerated deterioration of the periodontium (bone and gums around the teeth).
Q. How to contact Dr. Doleac if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
10850 NE Halsey Street
Portland, OR 97220
Phone: (503) 255-1694
Email: rebekah@magic-smiles.com
Website: www.magic-smiles.com
