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Dr Paul F Mitsch
Paul F. Mitsch, D.M.D. believes that this is such an exciting time to be a dentist. Innovations and refinements in technology and treatment options are introduced continually. To maintain a leading edge, he has added to his educational foundation with advanced training in the newest of the new techniques. Education: D.M.D. Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. B.A., Biology, University of California at San Diego. Fellowships: Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Dentistry International, and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Associate Fellowships: American College of Oral Implantology, American Society of Osseointegration. You can reach Dr. Paul Mitsch at (316) 775-2482 or stop by his office in Augusta at 401 State Street in the historical downtown district.
Dental
2004-06-01 11:37:00
Children & orthodontics... always?
: Is it always going to be nessary... children and Orthodontics?
ANSWER:       The controversy is  basically over insofar as orthodontic treatment for children.  In the past there have been strong feelings within the profession of dentistry regarding the treatment of younger children in orthodontics.  The controversy was based upon feelings and thoughts of differing groups with differing philosophies, such as the American vs. European philosophies.   These arguments may still exist, but the science is complete and the treatment of a child well before adolescence is not only advised but recommended.  The exception to this would be a child who has behavioral issues that may hinder treatment.So why treat children and what are the advantages of such treatment?  Before we answer these questions it is important to think in broader terms than we once did.  Repositioning of teeth in orthodontics is more than building a smile in the front of the mouth from "ear to ear."  Repositioning of teeth will determine the comfort and function of the tempromadibular joint and the surrounding and supporting structures, including the cervical vertebrae!  That's correct!  Orthodontic treatment includes more structure than just the front teeth. In fact, orthodontic treatment takes into account muscles, nerves and bones in other parts of the head and neck.  Correcting the teeth may have an effect on these structures greatly benefiting the child.  Some doctors in the past have preferred to focus on adults or fully developed youngsters instead of treating a developing child.  This lack of treatment, however, is rare and usually due to a behavioral problem on the child's part.   When steps are not taken to treat a child's orthodontic problem, allowing the condition to mature, we may see a worsening of the condition.   This has been compared to allowing a child to "hobble" on crutches until he or she is fully developed, then evaluating a fractured leg for repair or an underdeveloped leg for prosthesis!  In dentistry, with our outstanding diagnostic capacities and the interceptive treatments most trained orthodontists are using, we can now treat problems when we identify them.  The outcome of treating a child is usually a healthier bite and a healthier patient.However, the expectation that if a doctor treats a young child, the child should not need future treatment is prevalent.   Patients and their parents still suggest that if they are going to need treatment they should wait and be treated only once.  This is incorrect.  Treatment at a young age assures proper growth and development so treatment at a later stage may optimize the cosmetic outcome.  It would be easier to think of child orthodontic treatment as a developmental stimulus to keep or get space problems under control.  Adult orthodontic treatment is easier to manage if space problems have been previously managed.  Many of the orthodontists in our area even refer to this as "phase 1" and " phase 2" treatment based upon these ideas.  Expecting our children to be treated at the state of the art rather than with our imaginations, will determine the best outcomes in the long run.In conclusion, children may benefit from interceptive orthodontic treatment.  To intercept problems and allow proper development makes good sense and has been proven in the past 50 years of dentistry.  Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry. The registered orthodontist stands ready as a member of the American Association of Orthodontists to answer your questions regarding treatment of younger children.    Your general dentist and the pediatric dentist are good sources of information for you regarding the favorite child in your life.   You may also want to venture into websites (including ada.org) to find out more.
 
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