Smile Transformations: Early Orthodontic Treatment

This 30-month case for a preteen addressed a lower jaw that sat too far back, protruding front teeth, a narrow upper jaw, and significant gaps. Treatment utilized a specialized appliance to comfortably guide the lower jaw forward into a healthy position during a key growth phase (ages 11 to 14). Following this, traditional braces were used to perfectly coordinate the upper and lower teeth, close all spacing, and create a balanced facial profile. If you notice your child has a receded lower jaw or severely protruding front teeth, we invite you to schedule a personal evaluation to discuss how specialized ...

This 30-month case for a preteen addressed a shifted bite and a narrow upper jaw. Initial treatment focused on widening the upper jaw using an expander to center the bite. Traditional braces were then used to align the teeth and close the significant gaps between them. To ensure the results remain stable, a minor gum procedure was performed after the spaces were closed to reduce the thick band of tissue between the front teeth. The final smile was secured with hidden permanent retainers behind the front teeth and removable retainers for long-term maintenance. If you notice your child has a ...

Before: This preteen patient in mixed dentition presented with an anterior crossbite, an orthodontic condition where the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, commonly referred to as an underbite.

After: Following a comprehensive Phase I early intervention, we utilized a bonded rapid palatal expander and partial upper and lower braces to successfully correct the crossbite. This targeted approach creates a healthy foundation for erupting permanent teeth and prepares the dental arches for potential Phase II treatment if necessary.

An anterior crossbite, or underbite, is more than a cosmetic issue; it can lead to abnormal tooth wear and unfavorable ...

Early intervention is key to correcting skeletal imbalances before they become permanent. For this preteen patient, I utilized interceptive (D8060) orthodontics, including a palatal expander and limited braces, to correct a constricted upper jaw and create the necessary space for erupting permanent teeth. By widening the arch during this critical growth phase, we successfully guided the canines into position and improved the overall bite function, often reducing the complexity of future treatment. Because growth-timed care requires expert oversight, I personally evaluated and managed every adjustment in our Kendall clinical suite. If you notice your child has a narrow smile or ...

Protruding upper teeth and dental gaps caused by parafunctional habits, such as tongue thrusting or thumb-sucking, were successfully corrected for this patient. A combination of orthopedic appliances and braces was used to neutralize these habits and restore proper bite function. Early intervention is key to preventing tooth fractures and ensuring healthy jaw development. If you notice your child has persistent habits like tongue thrusting or thumb-sucking, contact our office for a clinical evaluation to discuss how we can protect their dental development.

Before: This preteen patient presented with moderate crowding and a severe overjet—meaning the upper front teeth protruded significantly over the lower teeth. This extreme protrusion not only impacted the aesthetics of the smile but also left the front teeth highly vulnerable to accidental trauma.

After: Following a 24-month comprehensive treatment plan, we successfully corrected the severe overjet and relieved moderate crowding through the strategic extraction of four side teeth. This precise biomechanical approach allowed us to retract the flared upper teeth into a stable, healthy alignment, effectively eliminating the risk of dental trauma. Because extractions require the highest level of orthodontic expertise ...

A severe overjet and multiple gaps (diastemas) can impact both bite function and a teen’s confidence. For this patient, I designed a comprehensive plan using traditional braces to close all spacing and reduce the overjet to a stable, healthy position. Because cases involving significant gaps and deep bites require precise mechanical control to avoid relapse, I personally managed every adjustment in our Miami office to ensure a radiant, structurally sound result. If you notice your child has protruding front teeth or gaps that aren't closing, we invite you to schedule a personal evaluation to discuss the best treatment options.

As a specialized orthodontist, utilizing traditional braces and Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) for preteens allows us to efficiently correct severe skeletal and dental crowding. Over the course of this 30-month treatment, we addressed a notably narrow maxilla. By expanding the palate during this crucial growth phase, we established the necessary arch width to properly accommodate and align the erupting permanent teeth into a functional, healthy smile. Expanding a narrow palate during the preteen years is about more than just making room for teeth—it is about optimizing skeletal development and improving the airway while the jaw is still adaptable. This comprehensive ...

This transitional dentition case for a preteen female addressed a malocclusion where the upper front teeth completely hid the lower front teeth, a condition known as a deep bite. Over a 30-month treatment period, comprehensive braces were utilized to upright the maxillary incisors, resolve the deep bite, and improve the vertical proportions of the smile. If you notice your child’s upper teeth totally hiding their lower teeth or they show excessive gum tissue when smiling, we invite you to schedule a personal evaluation to discuss how specialized care can improve their dental health.

As a specialized orthodontist, utilizing traditional braces for preteens allows us to efficiently correct severe dental discrepancies. Over the course of this 30-month treatment in our Kendall suite, we addressed significant dental spacing and protrusion. To beautifully close the gaps between the teeth, we used continuous orthodontic bands to gently draw them together. To correct the protrusion and properly align the bite, we incorporated specialized orthodontic rubber bands, guiding the upper teeth back into a functional, healthy position. Severe spacing and protrusion in a preteen are often more than an aesthetic concern; they can affect speech, lip closure, and the ...

This case is a great example of how early orthodontic treatment can make a significant difference. The patient started with a mix of baby and adult teeth, facing challenges with mild crowding and moderate overbite.

By starting at the right time, we were able to align the teeth and improve the bite, creating a healthy foundation for the rest of their adult teeth to grow in properly. This proactive approach not only creates a beautiful smile but also helps prevent more complex issues in the future. At Martinez Orthodontics, we specialize in guiding these young smiles with precision and care.

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This comprehensive teen case focused on correcting a combination of functional and aesthetic concerns. The primary clinical goals involved closing a significant front gap (midline diastema), correcting a deep bite where the top teeth overlapped the bottom too much, and aligning a midline deviation to ensure the teeth centered perfectly with the face. By managing the eruption path of the upper canines, we achieved a healthy, balanced, and stable smile. Our specialist-led approach at Martinez Orthodontics ensures that every teen in Miami and Kendall receives a customized treatment plan for long-term dental health. We invite parents to schedule a personal ...