Orthodontics

As a pediatric dentist, Dr. McCarty has had special training in growth and development; specifically the growth and development of the child’s face and teeth. Dr. McCarty is not an orthodontist but has had training during his residency program in orthodontics and he takes many hours of continuing education to stay abreast of the latest techniques in orthodontic treatment. Thus he is able to recognize and treat orthodontic problems for your child.

Malocclusions or tooth misalignment can be detected as early as 2-3 years of age. We are able to see if crowding tendencies are present and do the jaws properly relate to each other. During this stage of development, we can monitor the effects of finger or thumb sucking and recommend the best time for your child to stop the habit. As your child is examined at their regularly scheduled recare visits, areas of concern will be evaluated.

During the mixed dentition stage, which occurs between the ages of 6 to 12 years, Dr. McCarty can evaluate jaw malrelationships and significant dental crowding problems. If necessary, the mixed dentition period is an excellent time to initiate orthodontic treatment because your child’s hard and soft tissues are generally quite receptive to guided tooth movement. The mixed dentition phase begins with the growth of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Your child may have braces on the permanent teeth that are present and this is a valuable time to use your child’s growth and influence in a positive manner so that the remaining permanent teeth may erupt in the best possible position.

By the time your child reaches 12 or 13, all the permanent teeth should be present. This is the final phase of development. Generally, treatment at this stage consists of the placement of braces on the permanent teeth to impact final bite development and alignment.

Dr. McCarty realizes that God makes all children different and that children grow and mature at different rates. Please ask Dr. McCarty when is the right time for your child to have orthodontic treatment.

Please click on the following link to view common orthodontic problems: Common Orthodontic Problems