Right Age

Interceptive Care
Dr. Allen 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 extraction 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 misaligned teeth. Signs of potential orthodontic problems may not be obvious, such as 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.

Interceptive care refers to orthodontic treatment at an age before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. This typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 9. We can often correct many major skeletal and bite related problems at this early age. Early treatment can make subsequent Phase II treatment more productive and ensure better results.

All initial exams are complimentary and include diagnostic x-rays and photos.

Extractions
We treat to balance aesthetics and function, and if those goals are best achieved with extractions, we will recommend extractions.

Adolescents
We feel that treatment before all the permanent teeth erupt provides us with the greatest opportunity to achieve the best result. Adolescent children are searching for their identity and their way in life, so treating at this time also allows us to provide encouragement and guidance as the child matures.

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, so treating at this time also allows us to provide encouragement and guidance as the child matures.

Adults
Many adults were unable to get orthodontic treatment during childhood and, as a result, 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 repositioning 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 reposition teeth and gums.