Children's Orthodontics Specialist
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Touni Orthodontics
Walied Touni, DDS, MSD
Orthodontist located in Sunnyvale, CA
It's rare for all your teeth to emerge in a perfect position. Most of the time, there's some degree of crowding, spacing, misalignment, or other dental developmental issues. Children's orthodontics is a range of services that address these issues early on before a child reaches adulthood. Experienced orthodontist Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, makes every child who comes to his practice at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California, feel welcome and at ease from the moment they arrive. Call today to make an appointment or book through the online portal.
Children's Orthodontics Q&A
What is children's orthodontics?
Children's orthodontics corrects dental development issues that could cause problems if ignored. Some of the dental issues early-onset treatment can improve include:
- Crowded teeth
- Over-spaced teeth
- Extra or missing teeth
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Thumb or pacifier sucking-related issues
Dr. Touni recommends that all children have an orthodontics evaluation by the time they turn seven, and he typically begins their treatment within the next two to seven years, depending on the child’s needs.
Why is children's orthodontics necessary?
Children's orthodontics can shape a child's dental health for the rest of their lives. Orthodontics helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease and reduces the risk of a child having issues with their permanent teeth. It also helps with areas of child development not always associated with dental care, such as:
- Improved airflow when breathing
- A boost to self-esteem
- More effective chewing and biting movements
- Reduced risk of speech development issues
It's common for children to need further treatment once their permanent teeth have erupted.
What are the different types of children's orthodontics treatments?
As a child's teeth develop, their orthodontic needs change. Dr. Touni supports children through each stage of their tooth and gum formation. There are several methods of early-onset treatment, often referred to as interceptive care. Here's a closer look at some of the specific ways Dr. Touni supports his younger patients:
Phase one care
Phase one describes an orthodontic procedure a child has before their permanent teeth emerge — typically between the ages of six and ten. Treatment can include space maintainers, retainers, and functional or expansion appliances. Dr. Touni recommends phase one treatment only when a child looks likely to experience orthodontic problems when they're older.
Developmental treatment
Developmental treatment supports childhood issues that go beyond dental care. It helps with jaw growth and development, excessive spacing or overcrowding, speech development, chewing functionality, and self-confidence — all issues that could become problems if left until the teenage years to address.
Orthopedic treatment
Orthopedic treatment specializes in tooth and bite alignment irregularities. It focuses on the growth and development of the jawbone and is most successful if started before a child turns 11. After that, bones harden, meaning surgery is often the only option.
Dr. Touni and the team at Touni Orthodontics use state-of-the-art sanitization technology, such as the Safe-Flo™ saliva ejector, the Sterisil® Straw V2, and the Mocom Sterilizer — B Futura. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online and book with confidence knowing Dr. Touni and his team make your health and safety a priority.