Treatment Timing
The decision to receive treatment is too often influenced solely by what we call the “Social Six” or how the front 6 teeth look when someone smiles. Don’t get us wrong, this is definitely important! But we also look at orthodontics more holistically and how it affects tooth, mind, and body. It’s important for us to look at your total wellbeing and offer any new insight that could make you feel and look your best.
Tooth, mind,
and body.
We evaluate 4 areas to create a genuine case for treatment.
Tooth Position
We want to make sure that your teeth are positioned in a way that creates the healthiest smile possible.
Jaw Growth
This is important for children because the proper growth of the jaw not only influences aesthetics but functional aspects of life like chewing and breathing.
Airway & Mouth Function
Breathing is kinda important, right? We think so :) So we evaluate how well you or your child’s airways are open for oxygen.
Social Stuff
We never want to downplay the importance of the emotional impact of a beautiful smile. After all, we want to see the best you emerge after treatment.
To Treat, Or Not To Treat?
That Is The Question.
Their smiles are so innocent, so hopeful, and so full of that mischievous fun. That’s why it’s important to get them in early to preserve and develop that energetic smile.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that kids have their first orthodontic visit by age 7 to evaluate how their jaws and teeth are developing. In most cases, identifying problems early can make treatment easier. Here are some indicators that you may want to have your child evaluated
- • Early or late loss of baby teeth
- • Mouth breathing
- • Finger sucking or other oral habits
- • Crowded or misplaced teeth
- • Poor bite relationship
- • Speech difficulty
- • Cheek biting
- • Biting into the roof of the mouth
- • Protruding teeth
- • Teeth that don’t meet at all
- • Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- • Sleep disordered breathing screening
A Head Start
Early treatment can often simplify later treatment or allow for a better overall result which makes it ideal to bring your child in for a screening as early as age 5. If they appear to be doing a great job growing their teeth in without any early intervention, they will join our Smile For Real Kids Club where we’ll monitor them every 6 – 9 months to make sure they are on track and we’re able to move into treatment when they are ready.
The Right of Passage
Let’s face it (sorry for the bad pun), the teenage years are dominated by social influences. It’s totally understandable because it’s a critical part of their emotional growth and wellbeing. That aside, there are plenty of other reasons why treatment during the teen years can help them keep a healthy smile through their adult years. We want to make the most out of how well their teeth and jaws move, so there’s no time like the present to act.
Let's Get Together
We Want To See You Smile
We would love to meet you in person or virtually! Please fill out the form below or give us a call at (503) 289-1992 to schedule your first appointment. We look forward to seeing you here!
We're Blushing.
North Portland Orthodontics is so fabulous. They are so thorough with their care, making sure you’re completely set all the way through your braces and after with your retainer needs. My original glued bottom retainer lasted TEN years before needing a small piece of glue replaced. They were super quick with getting me an appointment and were super friendly during this visit.
- Jennifer S.
Dr. Crowe and her staff are the best! Everyone is very friendly and takes the time to answer your questions. My kids love going to the orthodontist, which I can’t complain about. Dr. Crowe is personable, silly with the kids, and has always presented all of the different alternatives to treatment. She supports a conservative approach. My kids love the shirts they’ve gotten, the chances to win prizes each month, and everyone there. I will not take my children anywhere else!
- Julie N.
Very friendly, got treatment for an under bite and gaps, and was very satisfied, Love the staff, amazing group of people, been recommending to everyone who asks me about my smile, I've had my sister, cousin, friends all have treatment here, and everyone always has good things to say. highly recommend.
- Aris V.
