Consultation Visit

Here To Help

We always take the time to explain your treatment options, answer your questions and make sure you’re comfortable with your care. Together, you’ll discover just how straight and beautiful your smile can be. Our free orthodontic consultation will help you find your best and most affordable braces option.

Braces and palatal expander used in here to resolve crowding in upper and lower jaw.

My child has crooked teeth; will he or she need braces?

Crooked or crowded teeth are very common in the growing patient. Even patients that get braces may develop a minor degree of crooked (crowded) teeth, particularly in the front teeth of the jaws, as they grow old.

The first step in determining the need for treatment is what we call an orthodontic consult. During this appointment, we may obtain special records and special x-rays of your child's jaw. This information will allow us to make a decision based on predicted growth patterns that your child may show later. In orthodontic terms, we refer to this as Early Treatment.

Early Treatment refers to ANY orthodontic (braces) or orthopedic intervention that begins when the child is in primary dentition or in mixed dentition (when the permanent teeth begin to erupt).

Here at Azari & Zahedi Dentistry, we recognize that early diagnosis and successful treatment of developing malocclusion can have both short-term and long-term benefits, while achieving the goal of occlusal harmony, function, and facial aesthetics.

For many children, the best time to start orthodontic treatment is in the late mixed dentition when they can benefit from growth modification and still enjoy a timely and efficient finish to last a lifelong.
THIS IS OUR GOAL FOR EVERY CHILD TO ENTER HIGH SCHOOL WITH BEAUTIFUL SMILE!

What is the right age for orthodontics?

Azari & Zahedi Dentistry recommends that every child receive an initial orthodontic examination as early as age three. The timing of orthodontic treatment is extremely important and greatly affects the treatment result. Early diagnosis and treatment by a specialist can help prevent more serious problems.

Orthodontics is not just for children. While most people tend to associate orthodontics with children, adults are also prime candidates for treatment. Approximately 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. With how easy it is to use Invisalign®, the benefits of orthodontics for any adult are a must.

Anterior Cross Bite

Anterior cross bites occur when the upper front teeth are inside of the lower front teeth. Over time, the lower jaw grows into a forward position abnormally, thus inhibiting the growth of the maxilla (roof of the mouth or upper jaw). Once the source of the interference causing the cross bite is eliminated, the appliance guides the maxilla back into position. The front of the appliance is moved outward through the tension of an expansion screw at the base of the unit while the back teeth are used for anchorage.

Misaligned Bite

Class I - A malocclusion where the bite is okay and the top teeth line up with the bottom teeth, but the teeth are crooked, crowded or turned.

Over Bite

Class II - A malocclusion where the upper teeth stick out past the lower teeth commonly referred to as an "over bite," "over jet," "deep bite" or "buck teeth."

Open Bite and Cross Bite

These are two common problems in children that have their origin in discrepancies between the size of the jaws (top and bottom), or discrepancies between the size of the teeth and the amount of space available.

  • A posterior cross bite can appear at an early age, and depending on its cause (malpositioned teeth or misaligned jaws) treatment may be warranted early. It can involve one or both sides of the molar area and in some cases in can cause a "shift" of the bite. Many appliances are available for treating this condition and your dentist will discuss in detail the risks and benefits of treating a posterior cross bite.
  • Anterior open bites refer to a condition in which the top and bottom front teeth are not in contact (they do not touch each other when the patient bites). The origins of open bites can be traced to habits that patients have or had in the past, and occasionally to discrepancies between the sizes of the jaws. Since most open bites in children are associated to an existing habit, treatment usually addresses the habit itself and is most effective when done at an early age. Many appliances are available for treating this condition and your dentist will discuss in detail the risks and benefits of treating an open bite in children.

Posterior Cross Bite

A posterior cross bite can appear at an early age; and depending on its cause (mal-positioned teeth or misaligned jaws,) treatment may be warranted early. It can involve one or both sides of the molar area and in some cases it can cause a "shift" of the bite. Many appliances are available for treating the condition. Your dentist will discuss in detail the risks and benefits of treating a posterior cross bite.