Dunn Orthodontics is Goodyear, Arizona's premier Invisalign orthodontist/dentist providing braces, clear braces and Invisalign (Invisible braces) to Goodyear, AZ.
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Dr. Matthew Dunn - Goodyear Invisalign orthodontist (Matthew Dunn, DDS, MS)
Dr. Courtney Dunn - Goodyear Invisalign orthodontics (Courtney Dunn, DDS, MS)
Website created by Matthew Dunn, DDS, MS (Goodyear orthodontist) and Courtney Dunn, DDS, MS (Goodyear braces) for Dunn Orthodontics providing braces, clear braces, Invisalign (invisible braces) to Phoenix’s West Valley including Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale, Surprise, Buckeye, Verrado, Estrella Mountain Ranch, Glendale, and Tolleson.
Contact: info@coolgrins.com
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Protect your child’s smile for the future.
As parents of three children, Drs. Matt and Courtney Dunn appreciate how important your children are to you. That’s why they encourage you to bring them in for an early orthodontic exam at approximately age seven, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. Bite problems may be there at this age which left uncorrected can 
be difficult to correct at a later age or even cause irreparable injury to the permanent teeth. Even one crooked tooth can throw off the bite, impede proper cleaning and cause functional problems as your child becomes older, including gum disease, cavities and speech disorders.
If your child does not need early treatment at the time of the initial examination, you should not feel that you've made a needless appointment. Children who do not need orthodontic treatment at the time of their initial exam are placed into a growth and guidance program. These patients will be seen at least once each year to monitor growth and development of the teeth, jaws and face. The growth and guidance program will let us assess your child on a regular basis, making certain that we initiate your child's treatment at the right time. The appointments for the growth and guidance program are complimentary.
There are a few orthodontic conditions that do necessitate early intervention. These are primarily associated with jaw or bite issues, or self-esteem issues. Crossbites that make the lower jaw shift, and extreme overbites or underbites should be treated early.
Early loss of primary (baby) teeth, or severe crowding which can lead to harm to gum tissue, are examples of spacing problems that may warrant early treatment. Early, or Phase I treatment, typically takes 9-12 months. The patient then goes into the growth and guidance program until ready for a second phase of orthodontic treatment, once all of the new permanent teeth have erupted. Ninety-five percent of those who have Phase I treatment at 8-10 years old will need a second phase of orthodontic treatment at 11-14 years old to direct the new permanent teeth into their final places.
Given our conservative approach, most children (about 85-90%) do not require early or two phases of treatment. For these patients, there are many benefits to waiting until most of the permanent teeth have erupted (usually between ages 11 and 14). At this stage in a child's development, bone growth occurs more rapidly, increasing treatment efficiency and yielding more stable results. Waiting means less time in braces, fewer office visits, and less complications. Additionally, understanding and cooperation are better when children are more mature. From a financial perspective, completing treatment in one comprehensive phase in middle school is less expensive than a two-phase treatment plan.
This means less time in braces. Starting early does not mean that the braces will come off earlier or faster; to the contrary, it often produces a longer time in braces. Orthodontic treatment started at the appropriate time usually results in braces being on for 18 to 24 months, instead of for 3 to 4 years or more.
As you can see, deciding on the ideal time for orthodontic treatment is determined on a patient-by-patient basis. We are all unique, and no two patients have the same jaws, bite, face or teeth. You can depend on Dunn Orthodontics to work with you, your child, and your family dentist to make sure that the optimal treatment is provided at the best time for your child. The result will be a naturally beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.
Call the Dunn Orthodontics location near you and schedule your child’s orthodontic exam and consultation today!
Litchfield Park Office
5220 N. Dysart Rd #150
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
TEL: 623.536.4939
FAX: 623.536.4877
Phoenix Office
7550 N. 19th Ave #101
Phoenix, AZ 85021
TEL: 602.864.0004
FAX: 602.864.0070
