When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that the initial evaluation should occur no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?
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. An early orthodontic evaluation can ease a parent's concern about crooked teeth or facial development and about orthodontic treatment. Some conditions are best treated early for biological, social, and/or practical reasons whereas others should be deferred. For those who have clear indications for early intervention, early treatment presents the opportunity to:
- Influence jaw growth in a positive manner
- Harmonize the dental arches
- Improve eruption patterns
- Lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve aesthetics and self-esteem
- Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Improve some speech problems
- Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth
- Simplify and/or reduce treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
What if early treatment is not needed?
When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal. Our office has a really cool program to keep kids interested in the health of their mouth. The Hang Ten Team is a recall or monitoring system for those who are not quite ready for orthodontic treatment. When first inducted, patients get a t-shirt and sign our autograph book. Throughout their time as a member of our Hang Ten Team they will also receive regular mail-outs and prizes just for being a member. In general, appointments will be scheduled twice a year and are a quick and easy way for Dr. Runnels to check the status of their dental development . During their time as a member of this club Dr. Runnels may recommend that baby teeth be extracted to allow proper eruption of the permanent dental arches; we call this tooth guidance and it can sometimes lessen the severity of future treatment or alleviate the need completely. This holding phase allows both the patients and parents the time to get comfortable with the office and staff as well as allowing the patient to be a part of a team, building morale and self esteem.