EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT GLENDALE
Guiding Healthy Growth for a Lifetime of Smiles
Many orthodontic concerns begin developing long before all of a child's permanent teeth have erupted. An early orthodontic evaluation allows Dr. Jon to monitor your child's growth, identify potential issues, and determine whether treatment may be beneficial now or in the future. In many cases, early intervention can guide jaw development, create space for incoming teeth, and help prevent more complex orthodontic problems later on.
What Is the Right Age to Begin Treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child first be seen by an orthodontist as early as age 7, or even earlier if a problem is discovered by a parent or family dentist. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if treated prior to the completion of growth.
Early treatment may prevent the need for extraction of permanent teeth, surgery, and other serious corrections later in life. However, due to the complex nature of orthodontics, early treatment may not be right for every child. Only after a clinical examination of your child can the proper treatment plan be determined.
An Optimal Age for Early Treatment
By the age of 7, the first adult molars have erupted, establishing the back bite. During this time, Dr. Jon can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships.
For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
The Benefits of Early Treatment
Early evaluation and treatment can yield many results, including the following:
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing positive jaw growth
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Correcting harmful oral habits
- Preserving space for teeth that have yet to erupt
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time for orthodontic care
- Improving self-esteem, image, and some speech problems
