Early Childhood Orthodontics
Why early intervention could benefit your child
Early Intervention
Early intervention with the Tanner appliance offers numerous benefits, setting children on a path toward long-term health and development. Here's why starting treatment as young as age 2 may provide the most benefit to your child
Benefits of Early Airway Orthodontics
Prevents Crowding and Malocclusion: Beginning treatment early helps create
adequate space for adult teeth to erupt seamlessly, reducing the need for
extractions in the future.
Optimizes tongue Space / function: Enhancing the tongue space can improve oxygenation, which may lead to better sleep quality, increased energy, and improved behavior.
Supports Natural Growth: Guiding the development of arches can facilitates proper arch form and development. This can aid in supporting proper
tongue posture, correct jaw alignment, and a healthy Temporomandibular
Joint (TMJ).
Starting treatment at a young age leverages natural growth
and development. By age 2, facial structures are already 55% developed, 73-77%
by age 4, and 89-94% by age 12. Addressing airway problems early yields
significant mental and physical health benefits that can last a lifetime. As stated in
Broadbent, B. H., Broadbent, B. H., & Golden, W. H. (1975). Bolton standards of dentofacial developmental growth. C. V. Mosby Company
Key Considerations:
Space for Permanent Teeth: Even perfectly aligned baby teeth might not
guarantee enough space for permanent teeth. Early intervention helps
ensure proper eruption and alignment, preventing future crowding.
Overbite Concerns: An overbite can obstruct the natural growth of the lower
jaw. Early treatment encourages arch development, shifting away from a
downward narrow pattern, which aids in:
Balanced Jaw Alignment: Ensuring both jaws develop in harmony.
Spacious Palate: Providing room for proper tongue posture and function.
Reduced Orthodontic Complications: Lowering the risk of severe orthodontic
issues and extensive future interventions.
By intervening early, you lay the foundation for your
child's lifelong oral and overall health. Early action not only tackles current
issues but also ensures their future well-being.
The Tanner Appliance offers a comprehensive approach
to improving your child’s jaw function and dental alignment.
Here's How it works:
The appliance features a smooth biting surface that
immediately opens up the bite. This creates more space for the tongue and
allows the lower jaw to function during sleep. Additionally, it acts as a guard to protect teeth from grinding and clenching.
With diligent use for 6+ months, the arch will expand
and develop, enabling the lower jaw to follow suit creating a healthy
bite and space for permanent teeth. Expansion on the lower jaw is often performed to match the width added on the top, ensuring a well-aligned bite.
After the expansion phase, retainers are worn at night to
maintain the development until the bone stabilizes and permanent teeth emerge.
In many cases, this process results in properly aligned teeth without the need
for additional interventions. However, sometimes braces or clear aligners
are recommended for final alignment.
Discover How Arch Development at The Airway Center is Changing Lives
Katie Guidotti
"My sleep and breathing have already improved so I really feel the benefit already which is rewarding."
Anonymous
" We saw a lot of crowding and assumed braces were the only way to go, we had two or three consultations and most of them wanted to pull teeth before braces, my mother bear instinct didn't want that to happen his teeth were healthy there was no reason to pull them out....we didn't need to pull anything! "
Al Borromeo ( Dentist)
" Dentists need to know that there are other options out there as opposed to pulling teeth."
Grateful Patient
" My smile is so much wider and I have more definition in my jaw line that others are noticing, but most importantly my daily headaches are gone because my jaw is relaxed!"
*Individual results vary and are not typical. Patient statements reflect personal experience and are not a promise of outcomes. Orthodontic appliances are used for orthodontic purposes. Sleep and breathing concerns should be evaluated by the appropriate medical provider.
The Airway Center
1840 E. Barnett Rd Suite B
Medford, OR 97504ress:
Phone Number:
(541)955-4519
We're excited to share our expertise and training, empowering patients and providers worldwide to transform lives!
Smile Development with Function in Mind.
All logos and marks are protected per their respective companies. Copyright 2024 Doctor Nathan Tanner, DMD, LLC., AirwayCenter.com. All Rights Reserved.
*Information on this site is general and educational and is not a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or guarantee of results. Orthodontic appliances described here are used for orthodontic purposes. Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires diagnosis by a qualified provider. Oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea is provided using FDA cleared devices in coordination with the treating physician.
