At Great Lakes Orthodontics, our orthodontists are dedicated to providing your child with personalized care, treating them like their own. We recommend following the American Association of Orthodontists' guidelines, which suggest that children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven.
By age seven, your child's teeth have developed enough to identify potential issues with emerging teeth and jaw growth. Early treatment can:
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Prevent problems from developing
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Address issues before they become more complex
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Achieve results that may not be possible once facial and jaw growth is complete
During your child's examination, our doctors will assess their orthodontic needs. We may:
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Determine that early treatment is not necessary
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Identify a developing problem and recommend treatment
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Provide personalized guidance on the best course of action
Phase I Treatment
This initial phase focuses on:
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Aligning the jaws and muscles
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Creating a healthy environment for permanent teeth to erupt
Some teeth may have temporary braces, but their final position will be adjusted in Phase II. This allows for:
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Other teeth to erupt
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Proper spacing for all permanent teeth
Phase II Treatment
This phase starts when all permanent teeth are in. We'll typically use:
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Braces on all teeth
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Or, clear aligners as an alternative
The goal is to:
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Align all teeth
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Perfect your bite
Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dentofacial orthopedics helps guide jaw growth in children, typically during Phase I of orthodontic treatment. As kids grow, their upper and lower jaws develop in three dimensions. Sometimes, uneven growth rates can cause alignment issues between teeth.
We use specialized appliances like:
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Palatal expanders
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Orthodontic headgear
Are you ready to transform your smile and boost your self-esteem? At Great Lakes Orthodontics, we specialize in helping teens like you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Typically, orthodontic treatment for teens begins between ages 11-16. By this stage, your bones and jaw structure are developed enough for us to work our magic!
Our expert doctors will assess your teeth and recommend the best treatment option for you. You'll have the power to choose from:
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Metal Braces: Classic and effective
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Clear Braces: Discreet and stylish
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Clear Aligners: Removable and convenient
Metal braces are still the "golden standard" for getting a great smile. Metal braces are now smaller and more comfortable, and you can change the color of the ties with every appointment.
Metal Braces
Clear braces can be a great alternative to metal braces. Clear braces are tooth-colored ceramic brackets which blend in with the color of your natural smile.
Clear aligners are a comfortable choice and use a series of attachments and aligners to straighten the teeth. Clear aligners can give you the same stunning results as braces if worn correctly.
At Great Lakes Orthodontics, we believe that a confident smile is within reach, regardless of age. Our expert orthodontic treatments cater to adults, addressing a range of concerns that can impact both oral health and overall well-being.
Your teeth continue to shift throughout your life, which can lead to issues like:
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Jaw pain
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Difficulty brushing
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A smile that no longer reflects your true self
Our orthodontic treatments can correct these problems, ensuring your teeth remain healthy, functional, and beautifully aligned.
By choosing Great Lakes Orthodontics, you'll enjoy numerous benefits, including:
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Improved Chewing: Efficient chewing for better digestion and nutrition.
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Reduced Risk of Gum Disease: Preventing bone loss, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
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Less Wear and Tear: Minimizing the risk of chipping or excessive wear on your teeth.
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Easier Oral Hygiene: Simplifying brushing and flossing for a healthier, happier smile.