The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends that children get a check-up with an orthodontist by the age of 7. At this appointment, we monitor for several conditions. Some of the issues detected can be more effectively treated at an early age, while others may be appropriate to let remain until adolescence when all or most of the permanent teeth are present. Early, or interceptive, treatment is aimed at managing issues including, but not limited to, early loss of baby teeth, functional problems (chewing, breathing), jaw misalignment, and trauma-prone tooth protrusion.
Early (Phase I) orthodontic treatment may be a benefit to your child as they are in the midst of growth and tooth eruption. Skeletal growth can be monitored and jaws directed into proper alignment. Eruption sequence may be planned to efficiently guide teeth into position. Detection and correction of potential problems before they become more serious can ultimately help save time and money by possibly shortening duration of full treatment, even reducing or eliminating the possible need for tooth extractions. If our doctors see an advantage to your child receiving early (Phase I) orthodontics, treatment options will be reviewed and a personalized treatment plan will be created for optimal results.
For more information and to schedule The “7&Up” Check-Up for your child, call 770-664-6003.