At what age should a child first visit the orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that most children have an orthodontic screening by age 7. This allows Dr. Krista Hirasuna to determine whether orthodontic treatment is required and the optimal time for treatment. Many dentists in our community are trained to identify orthodontic problems early and may refer you to our office before age 7.
Why are children being evaluated at such an early age?
Early diagnosis and treatment can guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position, preserve space for permanent teeth, and reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruding front teeth.
If early treatment is indicated, Dr. Hirasuna can guide jaw growth and the eruption of permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify subsequent treatment after the permanent teeth erupt.
Does early treatment benefit all children?
Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. The doctors develop a treatment plan based on each child’s needs. If the doctor determines the patient is not ready for treatment, the patient is placed in our orthodontic supervisory program.
What is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
The orthodontic supervisory program is for patients who are not ready for treatment and have been placed on recall. This program enables us to monitor the eruptive pattern of the permanent teeth. Sometimes, poor erupted patterns of permanent teeth can be corrected by early removal of baby teeth, reducing the treatment time required for braces. We will notify your general dentist of any recommendations made during your visit. We typically see patients for recall every 6-8 months to monitor their progress. There is no fee for this program, and it helps the orthodontist determine the optimum time to begin treatment and achieve the best possible result for your child.
In addition to a beautiful new smile, what are some other benefits of orthodontic treatment?
Braces can improve the function of the bite and teeth, improve the ability to clean the teeth, prevent wear on the teeth, and increase the longevity of natural teeth over a lifetime.
If a child receives early treatment, will it prevent the need for braces in adolescence?
Early treatment can address significant problems, prevent more severe ones from developing, and simplify future treatment. Because not all of the permanent teeth have yet erupted when early treatment is performed, their final alignment may not have been corrected. Typically, a shortened comprehensive treatment phase (Phase II – full braces) in the teen years, after all permanent teeth have erupted, completes the correction. However, in some circumstances, further orthodontic treatment may not be indicated.
Do we still need to see our family dentist during orthodontic treatment?
Patients with braces and other orthodontic appliances require more effort to maintain clean teeth and gums. To ensure the highest level of dental health, we recommend you see your family dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every 6 months during treatment.