Early detection and treatment of orthodontic problems gives your child the edge: a much better chance for natural and normal development. By working with the natural growth instead of against it, we can prevent problems from becoming worse, and give your child a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Early treatment should be initiated for:

  • Habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking

  • A constricted airway due to swollen adenoids or tonsils

  • Mouth breathing or snoring problems

  • A bad bite

  • Bone problems (i.e. narrow or underdeveloped jaws)

  • Space maintenance (for missing teeth)

Phase One - Appliances - Ages 3 to 8

In the first phase, the doctor is interested in the position and symmetry of the jaws, future growth, spacing of the teeth, breathing and other oral habits which may, over a period of time, result in abnormal dentofacial development.

Treatment initiated in this phase of development is often very successful and some times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment.

Phase Two - Appliances and/or limited braces -  Ages 9 to 12

This would be an elective treatment that only addresses problems of the front teeth.  Sometimes a child has problems in school because of unsightly teeth. In some cases the parent may not be happy with the child's appearance at this stage of development.  Limited treatment for these problems is usually fast and easy.

Phase Three - Braces- Ages 12 to 14

In the third phase, the doctor will be looking at how your child’s teeth and jaws fit, and more specifically work, together. Your child’s teeth will be straightened and their occlusion (bite) is properly aligned. Attention will be given to the jaw joint, (TMJ), the facial profile and periodontal (gum) tissues. By undergoing the first phase, we can usually reduce the amount of time needed for braces.

Facts: Early Treatment is Important to Consider!

Facial Development - Seventy-five percent of 12-year-olds need orthodontic treatment. Yet 90% of a child's face has already developed! By guiding facial development earlier, through the use of functional appliances, 80% of the treatment can be corrected before the adult teeth are present!

Cooperation - Younger children are often much more cooperative than children of ages 12 to 14.

Shorter Treatment Time - Another advantage of early treatment is that children will need to wear fixed braces on their adult teeth for less time.

To Correct Underdeveloped or Overdeveloped Jaws - Almost 55% of children who need orthodontic treatment due to a bad bite have underdeveloped or overdeveloped upper or lower jaws. Functional appliances and/or limited braces can reposition the jaws, improving the child's profile and correcting the bite problem - within 7 to 9 months!

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Tinley Park Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Fred Tatel - Serving children in the surrounding cities and suburbs of
Tinley Park, Chicago Heights,  Flossmoor, Palos Park, Romeoville, Joliet, Orland Park, Orland Hills, Palos Hills, Palos Heights, Bradley,
Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Frankfort, Mokena, Monee, Manhatten, New Lenox, Glenwood, Homewood, Olympia Fields, Lansing,
Homer Glen, Lockport, Crete, Beecher, Manteno, Momence, Peotone, Grant Park, Kankakee, Bourbonnais, IL,  (Illinois)

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