Parent 2 Parent: Alternative To Braces
It’s a rite of passage for millions of kids: braces.
In this Parent 2 Parent report, a local dentist says his technique is making braces easier and more effective than ever.
Dr. Fred Ghiz has been perfecting this technique for two decades he says it creates a better result for braces.
"We’re helping shape the jaw," says Dr. Ghiz, "we’re creating room."
Ghiz says teeth naturally want to go back to their original position, sometimes even after wearing braces. So his philosophy is to create more room in the mouth so teeth can grow in correctly in the first place.
Dr. Ghiz says, "We find if we get these teeth to erupt correctly first, then once we straighten them totally and when it’s all done, the relapse is lessened considerably."
A spring-like device is cemented in behind the jaw line. It helps expand and shape the arch so the teeth have more room. To be effective, treatment usually begins early on.
"Typically we start putting appliances in them when they’re 8," says Dr. Ghiz.
The device is adjusted as the child grows and is used until braces are needed. Dr. Ghiz says the technique improves outcomes and significantly shortens the time kids will wear braces.
"It’s not unusual for our braces to take one year and they’re done," said Dr. Ghiz.
And for some kids braces aren’t even needed because the teeth grow in straight enough with the device alone.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure you might say," says Dr. Ghiz.
You don’t pay extra for this appliance, it’s included in the regular cost of braces.
If the child ends up not needing braces, the cost is significantly less.
To view news report video, click here.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Parent 2 Parent: Alternative To Braces
It’s a rite of passage for millions of kids: braces.
In this Parent 2 Parent report, a local dentist says his technique is making braces easier and more effective than ever.
Dr. Fred Ghiz has been perfecting this technique for two decades he says it creates a better result for braces.
"We’re helping shape the jaw," says Dr. Ghiz, "we’re creating room."
Ghiz says teeth naturally want to go back to their original position, sometimes even after wearing braces. So his philosophy is to create more room in the mouth so teeth can grow in correctly in the first place.
Dr. Ghiz says, "We find if we get these teeth to erupt correctly first, then once we straighten them totally and when it’s all done, the relapse is lessened considerably."
A spring-like device is cemented in behind the jaw line. It helps expand and shape the arch so the teeth have more room. To be effective, treatment usually begins early on.
"Typically we start putting appliances in them when they’re 8," says Dr. Ghiz.
The device is adjusted as the child grows and is used until braces are needed. Dr. Ghiz says the technique improves outcomes and significantly shortens the time kids will wear braces.
"It’s not unusual for our braces to take one year and they’re done," said Dr. Ghiz.
And for some kids braces aren’t even needed because the teeth grow in straight enough with the device alone.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure you might say," says Dr. Ghiz.
You don’t pay extra for this appliance, it’s included in the regular cost of braces.
If the child ends up not needing braces, the cost is significantly less.
To view news report video, click here.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)