Considering Orthodontics for Your Child?

Frequently asked questions

When is the right time for an orthodontic evaluation?

Dr. Chinappi likes to see most youngsters around the age of 7.  However, if the parent of a younger child has any concerns about the child’s teeth or jaw development, we would encourage them to call for an appointment.  We will be happy to do an evaluation.

Why age 7 – isn’t that too young?

As a specialist in the areas of growth and development, Dr. Chinappi’s role as an orthodontist is to correct the results of abnormal facial growth.  By the age of 7, the maxilla or upper jaw is significantly developed and Dr. Chinappi is able to detect any deficiencies and diagnose the malocclusion (bad bite).  An early diagnosis allows us the opportunity to start treatment before a developmental deficiency becomes more complex.  Early intervention can correct conditions that would require extraction of permanent teeth if started later.

Don’t the permanent teeth have to be in before orthodontic treatment can start?

No, not when the treatment will be functional orthodontics.  The removable appliances used in functional orthodontic treatment allow Dr. Chinappi to start guiding the abnormal facial growth into a more normal pattern by correcting jaw position. Later in treatment, when more permanent teeth have erupted, braces will be placed to position the teeth.

Have I waited too long?

It’s never too late for orthodontic treatment.  In fact, we have great success treating adults as well as children!

Why didn’t my dentist tell me it was time?

Although Dr. Chinappi has been using functional orthodontics since the late 1970’s, not all dentists are familiar with this technique and still think that permanent teeth are the criteria for starting treatment.  Since an orthodontist is a specialist in growth and development, the decision of when to start treatment is best placed in his/her hands.

 What’s the difference in orthodontic techniques?

Philosophy of treatment is the difference.  The question to ask is: Will the treatment just be addressing the aesthetic issues of straightening teeth or will it be correcting the developmental deficiencies in jaw position that are creating the bad bite?  Straightening the teeth can be accomplished with extractions, cemented appliances, braces and retainers.  Correction of the deficiencies in growth and development requires use of removable appliances, braces and active retention appliances which continue to guide facial growth through its completion.

Why does Dr. Chinappi use removable appliances as opposed to cemented appliances?

Removable appliances widen the deficient upper arch in all dimensions creating the natural u-shaped arch necessary to fit all the teeth and avoid invasive extractions.  This method also allows room for the lower jaw to be positioned correctly as well as addresses excesses and deficiencies in vertical development.  Other important features of the removable appliance is that it is not invasive of the gum tissue and it can be removed for cleaning.

Cemented appliances are attached to the back teeth and widen in only two dimensions by pushing on the teeth, not the arch itself.  Cemented appliances are attached to the molars with bands that wrap all the way around the teeth.  They cannot be removed for cleaning.

What can I expect at the consultation?

When you call our office to make an appointment, a consultation will be scheduled for about an hour.  This time is dedicated to you and your child so you have plenty of time to get to know us and have all your questions answered by Dr. Chinappi.

At this visit, we will take one x-ray (a panorex) and Dr. Chinappi will do an orthodontic evaluation and preliminary diagnosis.  There is no charge for this visit.

Our goal at this visit is to invest as much time as you and your child need to understand both the diagnosis and our philosophy of treatment so that you can make an informed decision about your child’s care.  We will show you the orthodontic appliances we use and give you a chance to see the office.  If the need for orthodontic treatment is determined, we will explain the best way to proceed and financial details will be discussed.

What about insurance?

Since each client’s treatment plan, fee and insurance policies are different, we will be happy to discuss these details at the consultation.