At what age should a child have an orthodontic examination?
We recommend that most children should have an orthodontic screening by age 7. This allows Dr. Noble and Dr. Cassolato to determine if orthodontic treatment will be required and the best time for the patient to be treated. Many of the dentists in our community have been trained to identify orthodontic problems early, and may refer you to our office earlier than age 7.
Why are children being evaluated at such an early age?
Early diagnosis and treatment can often guide erupting teeth into better positions, preserve space for permanent teeth, and reduce the risk of fracturing protruded front teeth.
If early treatment is indicated, Dr. Noble and Dr. Cassolato can guide the growth of the jaw and erupting permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, prevent the need for extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and address abnormal swallowing or speech problems. Early treatment can simplify any future orthodontic treatment needed once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Does early treatment benefit all children?
Early orthodontic treatment isn’t always the best option for every child. Some orthodontic issues are more effectively treated during the teenage years, after all permanent teeth have come in. Other problems are best addressed once skeletal growth is complete.
Dr. Noble and Dr. Cassolato create a personalized treatment plan for each child based on their specific needs. If your child isn’t quite ready for treatment, we’ll place them on an orthodontic recall and monitor their development.
What is the Orthodontic Recall?
The orthodontic recall is for patients who are not ready for treatment. This enables Dr. Noble and Dr. Cassolato to monitor the eruptive pattern of the permanent teeth. Sometimes, poor eruption patterns of permanent teeth can be corrected with the removal of baby teeth. This may reduce the treatment time required for braces. We will notify your general dentist of any recommendations made during your visit. There is no fee for this type of appointment and it helps the orthodontist determine the optimum time to begin treatment to 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 has treatment early, will this prevent the need for braces as an adolescent?
Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent more severe problems from developing, and simplify future treatment. Because all of the permanent teeth have not yet erupted when early treatment is performed, their final alignment may not have been corrected. Typically, a shortened comprehensive phase of treatment (Phase II – full braces) in the teen years, after all the 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?
Maintaining excellent oral health during orthodontic treatment requires extra attention. To ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy, Dr. Noble and Dr. Cassolato recommend that you continue to see your family dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
