- Initial Visit |
- Nature of Problems |
- Timing of Orthodontic Treatment |
- Finances |
- Techniques |
- Invisalign
TIMING OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS
Age 7: Year To Remember!
The severity of each orthodontic case determines its own best starting time. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child visit an Orthodontist by age 7, or earlier if an orthodontic problem is detected by the family dentist, parents, or the child's physician. This may surprise you, as orthodontic treatment is usually associated with adolescence. An early examination, however, allows us to determine when a child's particular problem should be treated conservatively for maximum improvement with the least amount of time and expense. In many patients, early treatment or also known as Phase I achieves results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. If phase I is not rendered effectively and accurately, and the etiology of the problem is not addressed, it could be a waste of patient’s time and money. Therefore, a meticulous diagnosis and treatment sequencing along with an undivided doctor’s attention to the case is certainly required. Another plus in an effective early intervention is that it frequently guides the permanent teeth into much better positions, and makes the completion of treatment in Phase II (with full braces) at an earlier age easier and more stable for the years to come. In most cases, early orthodontic treatments prevent patients from getting their permanent teeth (bicuspids) extracted , and can address and correct skeletal deformities that cannot be corrected without extensive orthodontic treatment and surgery later. We will be glad to examine your child to discuss the exact timing of treatment with you at no charge. If treatment is not necessary, we will place your child on a 6 month or a yearly watch program, until we can positively rule out treatment or be able to determine if treatment is indispensable later.
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