Village of Pinecrest Aventura Mkt Council

There are certain dental problems where children can benefit from early orthodontic intervention. However, other cases should be supervised, but not treated until the permanent teeth are in place. The decision to treat is based on many factors, including the pediatric dentist's experience, knowledge of growth and development, and his/her assessment of a child's ability to cooperate with treatment. We do know, however, that most patients who receive interceptive orthodontic care in the "mixed dentition" will need a second phase of treatment in the permanent dentition. Early treatment can lessen a child's orthodontic problems, but doesn't necessarily eliminate later treatment.

Improving the bite early is usually done during the "mixed dentition" period. This is the time period after the first permanent molars have erupted and the incisors (front teeth) are growing into the mouth. Many of the primary (baby) teeth will continue to shed until a child is 9-13 years old. Mixed dentition treatment goals often focus on a combination of skeletal and dental correction. Jaw growth can affect orthodontic correction and early treatment oftentimes makes use of your child's on-going growth to assist in a more favorable outcome.

Protrusive, retrusive, or narrow jaws with posterior crossbites often respond to headgear therapy, palatal expansion, or the use of "functional" appliances. The correction of anterior crossbites, relocating a displaced lower midline, removal of impacted primary teeth, and the elimination of early thumb or finger sucking habits are often effective methods to improve a child's bite while he/she is growing. Normalizing jaw relationship as the teeth erupt may guide them into better occlusion, thus simplifying the total treatment.

Treatment strategies for crowding are sometimes controversial. Ignoring early crowding can not only be disfiguring, but it can lead to gum recession, midline displacement, crossbites, or severe wear of incisal edges of teeth. Early removal of primary teeth can sometimes delay the effects of the problem and allow permanent teeth to spontaneously improve their positions.

Dr. Eric Lebowitz is a pediatric dentist specializing in care for infants, children, and teens. He is in private practice in Kendall at Tooth Fairy-Land, located near Baptist Hospital. Questions about this topic can be directed to Dr. Lebowitz at (305) 279-4312. Dr. Lebowitz has been a resident of Pinecrest for over 20 years..