If you or your child are in need of orthodontic care, our practice is here to help. At Pediatric Dental Center of Avon, we take pride in offering unique interdisciplinary care combining pediatric and orthodontic specialties. Our team, including Dr. Stefanie, Dr. Cosgrove, and Dr. Ali, works seamlessly together under one roof to ensure convenience, clear communication, and comprehensive care for our patients.
Under the expert care of Dr. Ali, our Avon, CT practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive orthodontic solutions tailored to meet the needs of both children and adults. Orthodontic care is not just about aesthetic improvements; it’s about enhancing dental function and overall health. Read on to discover how our specialized services can benefit you and your family!
The Importance Of Early Orthodontics
Early orthodontic evaluation is crucial for identifying potential dental issues that could become more complex over time. Beginning treatment at the right age helps in guiding the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth, ultimately leading to a healthier mouth and a more attractive alignment.
When To Start Orthodontic Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by the age of seven. This allows Dr. Greenberg to spot issues with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present, setting the stage for a smoother treatment plan. This also gives ample opportunity for interceptive treatments, which can minimize the need for more extensive orthodontic work in the future.
Join Our Ortho Kids Club
We believe in early intervention to ensure the best orthodontic outcomes, which is why we offer a free initial consultation, with our first evaluation recommended at age seven. Our Ortho Kids Club is designed to monitor young patients and ensure they receive timely care when they are ready for treatment.
Benefits Of Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic treatment can profoundly impact your child’s oral health and self-esteem. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, chew more efficiently, and contribute to clearer speech. Aesthetically, orthodontic care provides a straight, even smile that enhances facial symmetry and boosts confidence.
Conditions We Treat With Orthodontics
At Pediatric Dental Center of Avon, we treat a variety of conditions with orthodontics, including but not limited to:
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Crowded or widely spaced teeth
- Jaw misalignment
- Teeth misalignments due to thumb-sucking or other habits
Signs Your Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment
Be on the lookout for signs that may indicate the need for an orthodontic consultation:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Speech impediments
- Protruding teeth
- Late or early loss of baby teeth
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
Our Orthodontic Services
At Pediatric Dental Center of Avon, we provide orthodontic treatment not just for our pediatric patients but for their friends and family, too—catering to patients of all ages.
If you or your child are in need of orthodontic care, trust our expert team to offer a wide range of treatments, from traditional braces to clear aligners, tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces have been the cornerstone of orthodontics for decades. This method involves attaching metal brackets to the teeth, connected by a wire that the orthodontist adjusts periodically to gradually move the teeth into the correct position. Suitable for correcting complex tooth and jaw issues, traditional braces are highly effective for both children and adults. They are particularly beneficial for patients with severe overcrowding, large gaps, or significant alignment issues. While they are more visible than some newer treatment options, modern advances have made them smaller and more comfortable than ever before.
Clear Braces
Clear braces offer a less noticeable alternative to traditional metal braces, making them a popular choice among both teenagers and adults who are concerned about the aesthetic impact of orthodontic treatment. Like traditional braces, clear braces use the same mechanism of brackets and wires to correct the teeth, but the brackets are made from a ceramic material that blends in with the natural color of the teeth. This provides a much more discreet treatment option, while still delivering the effectiveness of conventional orthodontics in treating moderate to severe dental misalignment.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to straighten teeth. Ideal for teens and adults, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and removable, which allows for more flexibility in the wearer’s lifestyle compared to traditional braces. Patients can remove the aligners while eating, brushing, or for special occasions, therefore maintaining better oral hygiene during treatment. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next set, gradually moving teeth into the desired position. Invisalign is best suited for mild to moderate teeth misalignment and offers a comfortable, flexible, and aesthetic treatment option.
Space Maintainer
Space maintainers are crucial tools in pediatric dentistry, used when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely. The early loss of a primary tooth can lead to other teeth drifting into the empty space, potentially leading to alignment problems with the incoming permanent teeth. A space maintainer is a custom-made appliance that holds the space open to allow the permanent tooth to erupt and align correctly. Depending on the case, space maintainers can be removable or fixed and are made from metal or acrylic material.
Thumb Habit Appliances
Thumbsucking is a common habit among young children, which, if prolonged, can lead to significant orthodontic issues such as protruding front teeth and an open bite. Thumb habit appliances are specially designed to discourage this behavior. These appliances are fixed to the upper teeth and make thumbsucking uncomfortable, thus breaking the habit effectively. They are usually recommended when other methods to stop the habit have failed, and the dental alignment or jaw growth is at risk.
Forsus
The Forsus appliance is an adjunct to fixed braces that helps in correcting severe overbites by promoting the forward growth of the lower jaw. It is a spring-loaded device installed inside the mouth, and it works continuously without the need for patient compliance in wearing it, unlike removable appliances. This makes it an excellent option for younger patients who may have difficulty adhering to removable treatment plans. The Forsus appliance is effective, efficient, and can shorten the overall time needed in braces.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is an appliance used to widen the upper jaw when it is too narrow in relation to the lower jaw, or when there is not enough room for the permanent teeth to emerge properly. It is most commonly used in growing children and works by applying gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made. This gradual process results in the widening of the jaw, better alignment of the teeth, and in many cases, a more balanced facial profile. Expanders can also improve the fit of the upper and lower teeth (the bite) and are typically worn for several months.
Choose Us For Your Orthodontic Needs!
At the Pediatric Dental Center of Avon, we are committed to crafting beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. Dr. Greenberg’s expertise, combined with our state-of-the-art technology and compassionate approach, ensures that every visit is a step toward achieving the perfect smile in a comforting environment.
Join our family of satisfied patients who not only look great but feel great too. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for you or your child! We look forward to hearing from you.
