Early Treatment
Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have their first orthodontist checkup by age 7? This is known as early orthodontic treatment. Early treatment, or interceptive treatment, means some treatment is performed while your child has mixed detention, a combination of adult and baby teeth.
At Heinz Orthodontics serving Grand Rapids MI, we use early treatment to identify developing problems, correct them, and guide the facial and jaw bones as they mature and grow. This can help decrease or even eliminate the progression of major orthodontic issues. Early Treatment can help treat several orthodontic issues such as underbites, crossbites, overbites, open bites, crowding, spacing, missing teeth, misalignments, and issues from thumb sucking or pacifier use
Intercepting Orthodontic Issues
There are several forms of early orthodontic treatment, but the three most common treatment options are palatal expanders, partial braces and a retainer. These three treatment options are often paired with a phase II orthodontic treatment option later on in the child’s development. Some orthodontic issues are easier to correct if they are found and treated early on, while your child’s jaws and teeth are still changing.
Do you think your child might be a good candidate for early orthodontic treatment? If so, call our office today and we will schedule your child’s complimentary consultation and begin their orthodontic evaluation to determine if early treatment is necessary. After your child finishes early treatment at either the Grand Rapids or Rockford office, Dr. Heinz and his team will continue to monitor your child’s growth to determine if they need phase II treatment as well.
Braces We Offer
We believe that it is important to educate our patients on all of their options, which is why we have taken the time to lay out our different braces options below. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Clear Aligners
Transparent and completely removable, clear aligners are the most comfortable and discreet way to improve your smile. We offer Invisalign and Spark aligners.
Clear Ceramic Braces
LightForce braces use clear or transparent 3D printed brackets so while they are just as effective as metal braces, they are much less noticeable.
Damon Braces
Using state of the art technology, Damon braces are able to give you a broader, more healthy smile all while putting less pressure on your teeth.
Why Our Patients Love Us
I was referred to two orthodontists in the Grand Rapids MI area and chose Dr. Heinz based on Google reviews. The reviews don’t lie, that’s for sure! All of the staff, including the orthodontist made my kids feel like they’d known them forever. My kiddo is shy even around family and he was outgoing with them from the moment we started. He’s so excited for this adventure of braces and I’m so thankful I chose this office to help us.
Erica Kirshman