Understanding the Timing of Orthodontic Treatment in Greeley CO

Early vs. Late Orthodontic Treatment in Greeley CO: What’s the Difference?

The debate between early and late orthodontic treatment is common, but in reality, the focus should be on the treatment sequence. This is a personalized timeline based on your unique dental needs, diagnostics, and growth patterns. Orthodontic treatment in Greeley CO is a process of “Therapeutic Diagnosis,” meaning we test and adjust the treatment plan based on your individual progress.

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Why Proper Diagnosis Matters

A thorough diagnosis is crucial before starting treatment. Each patient is different, and factors like unknown causes of dental issues, growth potential, and how well a patient follows instructions can vary. Jumping into early or late treatment without proper evaluation can lead to unnecessary complications.

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Categories of Greeley CO Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic care can be divided into three key stages:

• Preventive Orthodontics: Actions to protect normal tooth development in young children.
• Interceptive Orthodontics: Steps taken to address early signs of misalignment in mixed (baby and adult) teeth.
• Corrective Orthodontics: Treating significant misalignments in permanent teeth that can’t be fixed by prevention alone.

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How Growth Affects Treatment

Growth plays a huge role in orthodontic treatment, especially in children. Your facial bones, teeth, and jaw can change dramatically during puberty, and this affects how successful early treatment will be. Girls generally finish growing around age 16, while boys tend to grow longer, meaning treatment timing can differ based on gender.

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When to Start Orthodontic Treatment In Greeley CO

Timing for orthodontic treatment can vary:

• Functional issues, such as habits or small misalignments, can usually be treated early.
• Skeletal problems, such as jaw misalignment, often benefit from later treatment when growth patterns are more predictable.

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Early Treatment Considerations

Some orthodontists prefer early treatment because it can:

1. Prevent worsening of alignment issues.
2. Reduce the need for extractions.
3. Simplify treatment by allowing the teeth to grow into a more natural position.

However, early treatment isn’t always the best option. Sometimes waiting allows for a more accurate correction once growth is complete, and some issues, like jaw discrepancies, may require more complex treatments later on.

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The Bottom Line

Orthodontic treatment is a personalized process that takes your growth, dental needs, and diagnostic findings into account. Whether starting early or later, the goal is always to ensure the best possible outcome for your smile.

By focusing on a tailored treatment sequence, your orthodontist can guide you through each step of the process to ensure success.