When is the time to have your child evaluated for orthodontics?
We evaluate each child at every new and recare visit for their facial growth and development. This can start as early as a year of age. Are the jaws developing appropriately? Are the correct number of teeth present? What oral habits exist? Is there adequate room for the teeth?
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. We can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment, if decided, when it is appropriate.
When is the best time to begin orthodontic care?
We evaluate each child for their own needs and recommend a customized treatment at the appropriate age. We try to correct problems before they make matters worse, so that each child's facial growth and development can reach it's full potential.
What are the advantages of age appropriate treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
- Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
Untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems:
- Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
- Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping.
- Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
- Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.
Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you and provides a better self image.