Early Orthodontic Treatment in Santa Rosa, CA

Orthodontic treatment is primarily used to prevent and correct “bite” irregularities. Several factors may contribute to such irregularities, including genetic factors, the early loss of primary (baby) teeth, and damaging oral habits (such as thumb sucking and developmental problems).

Orthodontic irregularities may be present at birth or develop during toddlerhood or early childhood. Crooked teeth hamper self-esteem and make good oral homecare difficult, whereas straight teeth help minimize the risk of tooth decay and childhood periodontal disease.

During biannual preventative visits, your pediatric dentist is able to utilize many diagnostic tools to monitor orthodontic irregularities and, if necessary, implement early intervention strategies. Children should have an initial orthodontic evaluation before the age of eight.

Why does early orthodontic treatment make sense?

Some children display early signs of minor orthodontic irregularities. In such cases, your pediatric dentist might choose to monitor the situation over time without providing intervention. However, for children who display severe orthodontic irregularities, early orthodontic treatment can provide many benefits, including:

Enhanced self-confidence and aesthetic appearance.
Increased likelihood of proper jaw growth.
Increased likelihood of properly aligned and spaced adult teeth.
Reduced risk of bruxing (grinding of teeth).
Reduced risk of childhood cavities, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.
Reduced risk of impacted adult teeth.
Reduced risk of protracted orthodontic treatments in later years.
Reduced risk of speech problems.
Reduced risk of tooth, gum, and jawbone injury.

When can my child begin early orthodontic treatment?

Pediatric dentists recognize three age-related stages of orthodontic treatment. These stages are described in detail below.

Stage 1: Early treatment (2-6 years old)

Early orthodontic treatment aims to guide and regulate the width of both dental arches. The main goal of early treatment is to provide enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt correctly. Good candidates for early treatment include: children who have difficulty biting properly, children who lose baby teeth early, children whose jaws click or grind during movement, bruxers, and children who use the mouth (as opposed to the nose AND mouth) to breathe.

During the early treatment phase, your pediatric dentist works with parents and children to eliminate orthodontically harmful habits, like excessive pacifier use and thumb sucking. The dentist may also provide one of a variety of dental appliances to promote jaw growth, hold space for adult teeth (space maintainers), or to prevent the teeth from “shifting” into undesired areas.

Stage 2: Middle dentition (6-12 years old)

The goals of middle dentition treatments are to realign wayward jaws, to start to correct crossbites, and to begin the process of gently straightening misaligned permanent teeth. Middle dentition marks a developmental period when the soft and hard tissues are extremely pliable. In some ways therefore, it marks an optimal time to begin to correct a severe malocclusion.

Again, the dentist may provide the child with a dental appliance. Some appliances (like braces) are fixed and others are removable. Regardless of the appliance, the child will still be able to speak, eat, and chew in a normal fashion. However, children who are fitted with fixed dental appliances should take extra care to clean the entire oral region each day in order to reduce the risk of staining, decay, and later cosmetic damage.

Stage 3: Adolescent dentition (13+ years old)

Adolescent dentition is what springs to most parents’ minds when they think of orthodontic treatment. Some of the main goals of adolescent dentition include straightening the permanent teeth and improving the aesthetic appearance of the smile.

Most commonly during this period, the dentist will provide fixed or removable “braces” to gradually straighten the teeth. Upon completion of the orthodontic treatment, the adolescent may be required to wear a retainer in order to prevent the regression of the teeth to their original alignment.

If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment, please contact our office.

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Our Reviews

What Our Patients Say

From first visit to lasting results, our patients share what it's like to receive personalized, holistic dental care at Synergy.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 136 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Deck Julio 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The experience of getting dental implants with Dr. Attri was life changing. he was very informative and didn't upset me at all during the treatment and afterwards checked on my healing progress. The implants are so similar to my own teeth that I can eat and smile with confidence once again. Thanks to his well-thought-out strategy.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vickie Miles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was treated for a gum disease and was treated well during the entire treatment. The dentist informed me the reason for the problem and provided me with very clear instructions on how to take better care of my gums at home. It was done with great care and I have seen a definite difference since then.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Patti Barrett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent dentist! On vacation & had the bonded plug over the screw head of my implant come out, after having it installed by my dentist less than a month ago. I arrived as a walk-in when they opened & the dentist fixed it right away. The office staff was super nice & chill. The dentist was gentle & caring. The office was clean & welcoming. Not the vacation excursion I was expecting but still a pleasant experience. I was so appreciative of them fitting me in for the repair.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alyssa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been coming here since last year when I moved to the area, and wanted to find a holistic dentist. Dr. Attri is amazing! He fixed a lot of dental issues I’d been having and truly changed my smile. He’s also incredibly kind and caring. All of the staff are so wonderful too. I couldn’t recommend enough
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Don Weaver 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was referred to Dr. Attri from my naturopathic doctor friends in Santa Rosa, and in my few interactions with him so far, I’ve found him to be very friendly and knowledgeable. I recently had my first “major” work done with him, which was getting a precise impression for a crown to place over an implant, then having him fit the crown. As far as I can tell, he did it all perfectly, and my chronic jaw pain (from not having a matching back molar on the left side) has subsided greatly. I chose Dr. Attri for this work both because I think he is very trustworthy and competent, and also because his price for a crown was very helpfully lower than what my other outstanding dentist in Berkeley was going to charge. I am grateful to have found Dr. Attri and his Stunning Smiles practice in Santa Rosa and, from experience to date, I recommend him.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Breckenridge 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Attri and his staff are professional, kind and knowledgeable.  Best care in Santa Rosa, Ca.  If you have any fears , Dr. Attri and staff will put your mind to rest!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nancy Lazark 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am happy to write a review for Dr. Attri. I find him to be very gentle and thorough. I have had quite a lot of work done in the past year and he is satisfied when everything is perfect. I have had caps replaced a night guard made and several other procedures done. I can highly recommend him
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Haakon Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Happy to have a good dentist in Dr. Attri! I have always felt in good hands with him and his team. The few times I have had questions or concerns, he has been very able to talk with me, adjust as needed, and make sure I leave the office satisfied. Look no further for your local holistic dentist!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Harrison 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Attri is the real deal. He explains everything very well, is very patient and kind, and has a gentle hand compared to dentists I've had in the past. You won't regret coming here for dental care

Deck Julio

The experience of getting dental implants with Dr. Attri was life changing. he was very informative and didn't upset me at all during the treatment and afterwards checked on my healing progress. The implants are so similar to my own teeth that I can eat and smile with confidence once again. Thanks to his well-thought-out strategy.

Vickie Miles

I was treated for a gum disease and was treated well during the entire treatment. The dentist informed me the reason for the problem and provided me with very clear instructions on how to take better care of my gums at home. It was done with great care and I have seen a definite difference since then.

Patti Barrett

Excellent dentist! On vacation & had the bonded plug over the screw head of my implant come out, after having it installed by my dentist less than a month ago. I arrived as a walk-in when they opened & the dentist fixed it right away. The office staff was super nice & chill. The dentist was gentle & caring. The office was clean & welcoming. Not the vacation excursion I was expecting but still a pleasant experience. I was so appreciative of them fitting me in for the repair.

Alyssa

I’ve been coming here since last year when I moved to the area, and wanted to find a holistic dentist. Dr. Attri is amazing! He fixed a lot of dental issues I’d been having and truly changed my smile. He’s also incredibly kind and caring. All of the staff are so wonderful too. I couldn’t recommend enough

Don Weaver

I was referred to Dr. Attri from my naturopathic doctor friends in Santa Rosa, and in my few interactions with him so far, I’ve found him to be very friendly and knowledgeable. I recently had my first “major” work done with him, which was getting a precise impression for a crown to place over an implant, then having him fit the crown. As far as I can tell, he did it all perfectly, and my chronic jaw pain (from not having a matching back molar on the left side) has subsided greatly. I chose Dr. Attri for this work both because I think he is very trustworthy and competent, and also because his price for a crown was very helpfully lower than what my other outstanding dentist in Berkeley was going to charge. I am grateful to have found Dr. Attri and his Stunning Smiles practice in Santa Rosa and, from experience to date, I recommend him.

Amy Breckenridge

Dr. Attri and his staff are professional, kind and knowledgeable. Best care in Santa Rosa, Ca. If you have any fears , Dr. Attri and staff will put your mind to rest!

Nancy Lazark

I am happy to write a review for Dr. Attri. I find him to be very gentle and thorough. I have had quite a lot of work done in the past year and he is satisfied when everything is perfect. I have had caps replaced a night guard made and several other procedures done. I can highly recommend him

Haakon Williams

Happy to have a good dentist in Dr. Attri! I have always felt in good hands with him and his team. The few times I have had questions or concerns, he has been very able to talk with me, adjust as needed, and make sure I leave the office satisfied. Look no further for your local holistic dentist!

Andrew Harrison

Dr. Attri is the real deal. He explains everything very well, is very patient and kind, and has a gentle hand compared to dentists I've had in the past. You won't regret coming here for dental care