Treatment Options

Early Interceptive Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children have an orthodontic screening by age 7. While treatment at this age is not needed in most patients, an early screening allows us to catch things in case it is. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be treated more successful if caught early. Early treatment may be indicated to gain space for permanent teeth, reduce the likelihood of permanent tooth impactions, avoid the need for tooth extractions, adjust the width of the upper or lower dental arches, correct thumb sucking and/or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. At this initial screening, many times we recognize that while we may benefit from treatment in the future, we are not quite ready to begin at this time. Our no-charge Growth Guidance Program is designed for patients in the 7 to 12 year old range who may need or likely will need treatment in the future. We monitor the need for treatment at 6 to 12 month intervals – these visits are very similar to your initial consultation, we update photographs and x-rays as needed, and discuss changes that have occurred over the past months. Our goal with these appointments is to monitor your child so that we can initiate treatment at the optimal time to achieve the best possible result.
Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical Orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of treatment used to treat severe cases that can not be corrected with traditional braces or Invisalign alone. In order to receive orthognathic surgery, the jaw must be done growing, this typically occurs in our late teen years. If surgical orthodontics is indicated, Dr. Vitkus will work with both your general dentist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure you get the best care possible.