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ORTHODONTICS
Problems to Watch for in Growing Children
Recommend For Orthodontic Check-Up
American Association of Orthodontists Recommend For Orthodontic Check-Ups No Later than Age 7
The AAO does not advocate comprehensive orthodontic treatment at age 7. However, interceptive treatment may be appropriate in the kinds of problems shown on the reverse.
Final treatment decisions should be made among the parent, child's dentist, and orthodontist.
RULE OF 7
WHY CONSULT EARLY?
Early diagnosis is the key to better treatment. Delaying an orthodontic consultation can lead to extended treatment times, cause a potential problem to get worse and limit results.
The reasons for this examination follow:
The posterior occlusion is established when the first molars erupt. At that time, one can evaluate the antero-posterior and transverse relationships of the occlusion, as well as discover any functional shifts or crossbites.
Incisors have begun to erupt and problems can be detected such as crowding, habits, deep bites, open bites, and some jaw discrepancies.
For some, a timely evaluation will lead to significant treatment benefits; for others, the principal, immediate benefit is a parent's peace of mind.
FURTHER IN DETAIL
WHY YOUR CHILD SHOULD GET AN ORTHODONTIC CHECK-UP NO LATER THAN AGE 7
Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
The check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child's growth and development, and then if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
CONTINUED: FURTHER IN DETAIL
WHY YOUR CHILD SHOULD GET AN ORTHODONTIC CHECK-UP NO LATER THAN AGE 7
In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:
Guide jaw growth
Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
Correct harmful oral habits
Improve appearance
Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
Improve the way lips meet
Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you'll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.
