Las Vegas NV – The words “orthodontic treatment” typically brings up images of a pre-teen wearing braces. But, orthodontics include a greater variety of treatments and can be very helpful for children ages 7 to 9. “The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children be evaluated by an orthodontist by age seven,” notes Las Vegas NV braces provider, Dr. David Alpan. “Many treatments provide the best results if they’re started during this time period.”

“This early stage is called Phase 1 mixed dentition (because it includes both baby and permanent teeth),” says Dr. Alpan, a Las Vegas Invisalign specialist. “Phase 2 is when a child receives treatment later, at age 10 or 11.” Phase 1 often includes straightening permanent front teeth and making space for future permanent teeth. Orthodontists can also handle jaw-growth trouble, or bite problems like an overbite or underbite.

Phase 1 typically lasts 12 to 18 months. This is followed by a supervisory period of 18 to 30 months while the orthodontist observes the permanent teeth’s emergence and ensures that the correction holds. Phase 2 care, if necessary, is usually no longer than 6 to 18 months.

“There are a variety of reasons an orthodontist might recommend Phase 1 care,” observes Dr. Alpan, a Las Vegas NV invisible braces expert.

– Jaw Growth: Some treatments, particularly widening the upper arch, should begin by age 8, the age at which the upper jaw bones start fusing. If you wait, it might lead to jaw surgery later on.

– Less Need for Tooth Extraction: The permanent teeth are starting to erupt between 7 and 9. If some teeth necessitate additional jaw space, orthodontics can create that space. If you wait, the orthodontist may need to take out permanent teeth.

– Less Need for Surgery: Intervening early on can diminish the likelihood of a tooth becoming impacted and requiring surgery.

– Correction of Harmful Habits: Habits, such as tongue thrusting, pacifier use, mouth breathing, and thumb sucking, can create orthodontic problems. Intervening early can avoid these issues.

– Improve Compliance: Young children are usually more compliant with elements of care, such as keeping retainers in, than pre-teens and teens.

– Set Up Phase 2 Treatment: Phase 1 can improve the effectiveness of Phase 2 and shorten the treatment period. Early treatment also permits the orthodontist to have two windows of opportunity for correcting an issue. If Phase 1 doesn’t entirely fix a problem, Phase 2 treatment is an option.

– Improve Appearance: Children with crooked teeth sometimes suffer psychologically. Improving facial aesthetics can increase their self esteem.

About Dr. David Alpan
Dr. David Alpan earned his DDS degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco received his Orthodontic Specialty certificate in 1998. Dr. David Alpan founded Aesthetic Orthodontics in Los Angeles in 1998 – and in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas in 1999. Certified as an Invisalign provider in 1999, Dr. Alpan was hired by Align Technology in 2001 to teach certified Invisalign classes. He has also served as a consultant for Align Technology’s clinical education department.

© 2010 Dr. David Alpan and Master Google. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. David Alpan and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Author Bio: If you would like to learn more about Las Vegas orthodontist and Las Vegas orthodontics expert Dr. David Alpan, and orthodontics services offered by Las vegas inviaslign visit his Web site at www.aeortho.com, or call at 702-784-0500.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Las Vegas orthodontist, Las Vegas orthodontics, Las Vegas invisalign, Las Vegas invisible braces