At what age should a child first visit the orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that most children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This allows Dr. Moira Casey to determine if orthodontic treatment is likely to be recommended and the best time for the patient to be treated. The majority of patients evaluated at age 7 do not need treatment at that time. However, the benefit for those who do require early orthodontic treatment is significant. Besides, the evaluation is free so there is nothing to lose and only knowledge to gain.
Why are children being evaluated at such an early age?
Early diagnosis and treatment can guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position, modify the position and development of the facial bones, and preserve space for permanent teeth. In certain situations, it can also reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruded front teeth due to an accident or injury and prevent undesirable loss of dental enamel and gum tissue caused by malpositioned teeth.
If early treatment is indicated, Dr. Casey can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width and position of the upper jaw, gain space for permanent teeth to erupt, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, eliminate thumb and finger sucking habits, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment, after all the permanent teeth erupt.
Does early treatment benefit all children?
Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. The doctors develop a plan for treatment based on each individual child’s needs. If the doctor decides the patient is not ready for treatment, they are placed on our orthodontic supervisory program.
What is the Growth Guidance Program?
The orthodontic supervisory program is for patients who are not ready for treatment and have been placed on recall. This program enables us to monitor the eruptive pattern of the permanent teeth. Sometimes, poor erupted patterns of permanent teeth may be eliminated with early removal of baby teeth and reduce the treatment time required for braces. We will notify your general dentist of any recommendations made during your visit. We normally see the patients on recall every 6-8 months to observe their progress as they grow. There is no fee for this program and it helps the orthodontist determine the optimum time to begin treatment and achieve the best possible result for your child.
In addition to a beautiful new smile, what are some other benefits of orthodontic treatment?
Braces can improve function of the bite and teeth, improve ability to clean the teeth, prevent wear on the teeth, and increase the longevity of natural teeth over a lifetime.
If a child has treatment early, will this prevent the need for braces as an adolescent?
Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent more severe problems from developing, and simplify future treatment. Because all of the permanent teeth have not yet erupted when early treatment is performed, their final alignment may not have been corrected. Typically, a shortened comprehensive phase of treatment (Phase II – full braces) in the teen years, after all the permanent teeth have erupted, completes the correction. However, in some circumstances, further orthodontic treatment may not be indicated.
Do we still need to see our family dentist during orthodontic treatment?
Patients with braces and other orthodontic appliances require more effort to keep their teeth and gums clean. Because we want to insure the highest level of dental health, we recommend you see your family dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings every 6 months during treatment.
