Early Orthodontic Treatment in Fort Wayne

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment in Fort Wayne, Fishers, and Auburn, often called interceptive orthodontics, is a proactive approach to managing and correcting dental and skeletal issues in young children. At OMI Orthodontics, with locations in Fort Wayne, Fishers, and Auburn, Dr. Joel Johnson specializes in providing early orthodontic care that sets the foundation for a healthy and beautiful smile. By addressing potential orthodontic concerns at an early age, he can guide the development of the jaw and teeth, preventing more complex issues from arising later in life.

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters

Early orthodontic treatment typically begins around the age of 7 when the first permanent molars and incisors have usually erupted. At this stage, Dr. Johnson can identify subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. Early intervention can help:

Prevent More Severe Issues: By treating minor problems early, we can prevent them from becoming significant concerns requiring more extensive treatment.
Guide Jaw Growth: Early treatment can help guide the growth of the jaw and the eruption of permanent teeth, reducing the need for tooth extraction or more invasive procedures later on.
Improve Facial Symmetry: Early orthodontic treatment can enhance facial symmetry and aesthetics by guiding the growth of the jaws.
Create Space for Erupting Teeth: Interceptive orthodontics can create more space in the mouth for teeth that are coming in, which can prevent crowding and misalignment.
Reduce Treatment Time: Early treatment can simplify and shorten the overall duration of orthodontic care needed during the teenage years.

What to Expect with Early Orthodontic Treatment

At OMI Orthodontics, early orthodontic treatment in Fort Wayne, Fishers, and Auburn typically begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s oral health. Dr. Johnson will assess the jaw’s growth patterns, teeth’ positioning, and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.

Phase 1 Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment is also known as Phase 1 treatment in Fort Wayne, Fishers, and Auburn. This phase addresses significant dental and skeletal issues that can be more easily corrected during a child’s growth.

Palatal Expanders: For children with narrow upper jaws, a palatal expander can help widen the jaw to create more space for teeth and improve the bite relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
Partial Braces: In some cases, partial braces can correct specific alignment issues in the front teeth.
Space Maintainers: If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, we may use a space maintainer to hold the space for the permanent tooth, preventing neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap.

Monitoring Growth and Development

Once Phase 1 treatment is complete, Dr. Johnson will monitor your child’s growth and dental development. Regular check-ups at OMI Orthodontics will allow him to determine the optimal timing for further treatment, which may involve full braces or clear aligners during the teenage years.

The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment at OMI Orthodontics

Early orthodontic treatment in Fort Wayne, Fishers, and Auburn at OMI Orthodontics offers numerous benefits for your child’s oral health and overall well-being. Our approach is tailored to each patient’s individual needs, ensuring that your child receives the most appropriate and effective care.

Customized Care: Every child and their treatment plan are unique. Dr. Johnson will create a customized treatment plan that addresses your child’s specific orthodontic needs.
State-of-the-Art Technology: OMI Orthodontics utilizes the latest technology and techniques to provide high-quality, efficient treatment in a comfortable environment.
Comprehensive Evaluation: Our thorough evaluation ensures we identify and address all potential issues, giving your child the best chance for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Why Choose OMI Orthodontics in Fort Wayne, Fishers, and Auburn?

OMI Orthodontics is committed to providing exceptional care for children and adolescents. Dr. Joel Johnson is an experienced orthodontist in Fort Wayne, Fishers, and Auburn who will help young patients achieve optimal oral health through early intervention.

Expertise in Early Orthodontic Treatment: Our team has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating early orthodontic issues, ensuring that your child receives the best possible care.
Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize the comfort and well-being of our patients, creating a positive experience for both children and their parents.
Convenient Locations: With offices in Fort Wayne, Fishers, and Auburn, we make it easy for families to access high-quality orthodontic care close to home.