Dr. John Richards, Orthodontics
Ft. Myers, Florida
Advanced: Orthodontic treatment techniques for kids
Most kids over 15 don't grow much...
The information on this page is related to 'growing' kids, not non-growing adults
Yes, we treat many adults, but this information is about KIDS, TWEENS & TEENS!
How kids grow: It isn't continuous and that's important. We'll explain how we use this knowledge to avoid extractions, avoid headgear, and treat kids in 12-14 months
How to diagnose early orthodontic problems and learn about various hidden problems
Expansion techniques for avoiding extractions: combination palatal expansion and alignment with braces
Expansion to avoid extractions. A 'BIG' deal...!
Putting orthodontic braces on: exactly how we do it. (No big deal techniques.) Part I, Part II, Part III of Getting Braces
Tightening orthodontic braces: we don't really tighten them, but here's what happens
Taking orthodontic braces off: approximately how we do it. (Big secret.... how we really do it.)
Interceptive orthodontic treatment: What's the best thing to do if you have a 7 or 8 year old with crowded bottom teeth?
Class II profile: retrusion of the lower jaw, with examples of the most common orthodontic problem and typical treatment planning
Class III profile: protrusion of the lower jaw, examples and treatment planning of a less common problem, but one which usually requires surgery
How do orthodontic braces work: moving teeth and changing the face. Detailed descriptions of how orthodontic treatment is performed
Ten things that will slow down your orthodontic treatment. The answer to..."When am I getting my braces off?"
Typical orthodontic treatment plan: the process of treating a growing child with crowded teeth. A step by step example of how orthodontic treatment is accomplished on a typical patient. Also see Fast Track Orthodontic treatment below for even more details
Two phase orthodontic treatment: a plan to fix major problems early by dividing the treatment into two distinct phases. Early interceptive treatment explained
Too many teeth or too few: missing and extra teeth and the consequences
Invisalign treatment: for older teens where certain conditions apply
Retainers: clear upper retainers for night wear and bonded lower retainers
Crossbites and palatal expansion: how to do a typical treatment plan for a constricted upper jaw
Single tooth crossbites: photos of how we treat early problems associated with dental crossbite
Thumb or finger habits: how to deal with sucking habits of compulsion in young children as well as the consequences of these habits
Oral habits of compulsion: thumb suckers, lip biters, lip suckers, all manner of bad habits
Palatal expansion: rapid treatment for narrow palates and crossbite problems which need to be treated in the growing child
Abnormal Swallowing Habits: what is it and the problems it causes. One of the least understood problems in orthodontics. Treatment plans, exercises to help, and suggestions for treatment with and without appliances
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