Orthodontic Treatments and Philosophy | Orthodontist Jeff L. Rickabaugh, DDS, MDS, PA

Practice Treatment & Philosophy
For Children | For Adults | Resources
Common Treatments | Ortho Dictionary

The American Association of Orthodontics, which is the oldest dental specialty, recommends all children have an orthodontic exam by age 7. However, Dr. Rickabaugh prefers to wait until patients are at least age 8, unless there are special circumstances. At age 8 the upper and lower permanent incisors are usually fully erupted, which can yield a more thorough exam.

Dr. Rickabaugh is fairly conservative with regards to treatment and usually prefers to wait until all the permanent teeth have erupted or have almost erupted before starting treatment. This is usually between the ages 10-12 for girls and 11-13 in boys, (with some exceptions). Nonetheless, there are indications for early treatment (Phase I) which can yield short term and long term benefits. For instance:

Extreme horizontal overbite with protruding front teeth that are accident prone.
Narrow upper jaw creating a crossbite with the lower jaw and shifting of this jaw.
Underbite of the lower incisors which chips the upper front teeth.
A child with severely crooked front teeth and is the brunt of teasing by peers resulting in psychosocial concerns.
Other special craniofacial needs advised by your dentist or pediatrician.

Phase I treatment can last anywhere between 6 and 18 months with the average being 12 months. Full treatment or Phase II usually lasts 2 to 2 ½ years based on the complexity of the case. Some of these Phase II patients can be treated in as little as 18 months while some require 36 months.

Roughly one third of full treatment cases require some extractions. These extractions are performed by the family dentist or an oral surgeon. The fee for the extractions are not a part of the orthodontic fee.

Patients are seen every 4 to 6 weeks for orthodontic adjustments.

We use stainless steel and clear brackets with no additional fee for the clear brackets. Gold brackets are available for an extra fee.

We do not reuse or recycle bands, brackets, archwires or appliances.

Patients continue to see their family dentist for periodic checkups and cleanings.

At the end of treatment, retainers are given and patients are followed for 2 years.

We do not utilize INVISALIGN® at this time.

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