Why does the AAO recommend that I screen my child by age 7?
An early orthodontic examination when both permanent and baby teeth are present will detect or intercept problems early, and help ensure maximum dental and facial development for your children. Contrary to popular belief, you do not always have to wait for all the permanent teeth to solve orthodontic problems. In fact, some treatment options are lost once bony growth has stopped.
In many cases where teeth are becoming crowded, we will start making up room in the mouth for new, "up-and-coming" teeth while the jaw is still growing. This will prevent or greatly minimize the removal of permanent teeth in the years to come, while maximizing the development of a beautiful face.
Again, not everyone needs braces, and surely not at seven or eight years of age. An early examination will let you know if treatment is needed. We believe strongly in ideal treatment timing to prevent the removal of permanent teeth whenever possible.
The ideal time to start treatment ranges from seven to 13 years or older, depending on the severity of the problem, skeletal growth and facial type.
Orthodontists are dental specialists who correct bite and jaw problems in children and adults. They have achieved specialist status by successfully completing a minimum of two years of advanced orthodontic training at a university approved by the American Dental Association.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have an orthodontic screeningno later than age 7. Why?:
- 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.
- Incisors have begun to erupt and problems can be detected such as crowding, habits, deep bites, open bites and some facial asymmetries.
- For some, a timely screening will lead to significant treatment benefits; for most, the principal immediate benefit is a parent's peace of mind.
- The dentist who makes timely referrals is rightly regarded as informed, caring and concerned for the total well-being of the patient.
Early Screening
Early orthodontic screening can lead to simpler, more effective treatment for dental patients or, at the least, greater peace of mind.
Typical problems that might require early treatment are:
- Thumb, finger and tongue habits that destroy the shape of the upper jaw.
- Severely crowded teeth.
- Excess spaces between teeth.
- Deep bites, overbites or underbites.
- Cross bites or narrow upper jaws.
- Severely protruding teeth (especially at risk at the playground).
- Extra or missing teeth.
Early treatment presents the opportunity to:
- Influence jaw growth in a positive manner
- Improve eruption patterns
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
- Improve some speech patterns harmonize width of the dental arches
- Lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors
- Improve aesthetics and self-esteem
- Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth
Adult Orthodontics
Today more than 30% of orthodontic patients are over 18 years old.
Crooked teeth, improper bite, overcrowding and protrusions are now being corrected for many people, regardless of age. In fact, many people in their mature of senior years have orthodontics as part of a comprehensive strategy to replace missing teeth or increase the longevity of their natural teeth. New technology has made modern orthodontics more comfortable and more effective than ever. The latest orthodontic braces are smaller and less visible, enabling adults to receive orthodontic care that was not available to them as children.
Adults realize that improving the health of their mouths and attractiveness of their facial appearance can result in positive changes in their personal and professional lives. Simply put, orthodontic treatment is one of the best investments you can make in your appearance and your health.