At what age should a child first visit the orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic screening by age 7. This allows Dr. Tom and Dr. Thomas Ferlito to determine if orthodontic treatment will be required and, if so, the best time for treatment to begin. Many of the dentists in our community have been trained to identify orthodontic problems early, and may refer your child even earlier than age 7 if necessary.
Why are children being evaluated at such an early age?
Early diagnosis is essential to identify problems that can only be corrected before the permanent teeth have erupted. Treatment at this stage can help guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position, preserve space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for later adult tooth extractions, correct thumb sucking habits, improve abnormal swallowing habits, reduce the likelihood of dental trauma to protruded front teeth, and can help align the width of the jaws. In any case where early treatment is indicated, it can simplify later treatment after all the permanent teeth erupt.
Does early treatment benefit all children?
Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can only be corrected in later years when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Some skeletal problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. Because of this, the doctors develop a plan for treatment based on each individual child’s needs. If the doctor decides that the patient is not ready for treatment, they are placed on our orthodontic follow-up program.
What is the Orthodontic Follow-Up Program?
Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can only be corrected in later years when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Some skeletal problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. Because of this, the doctors develop a plan for treatment based on each individual child’s needs. If the doctor decides that the patient is not ready for treatment, they are placed on our orthodontic follow-up program.
In addition to a beautiful new smile, what are some other benefits of orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics can improve the function of the bite, make it easier to clean the teeth, prevent wear on the teeth, and increase the longevity of the 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. However, because some of the permanent teeth have not yet erupted at the time that early treatment is performed, it is impossible to know for sure what their ultimate position will be when they erupt into the mouth. 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. With that being said, in some circumstances further orthodontic treatment may not be indicated if there are no further problems to address after early treatment.
Do we still need to see our family dentist during orthodontic treatment?
Patients with braces and other orthodontic appliances require more effort to keep their teeth and gums clean. As we want to ensure the highest level of dental health, we recommend that you see your family dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings every 6 months during treatment. Similarly, our follow-up program appointments are specifically to monitor development of the teeth and it is important to still bring your child for regular cleanings at their general dentist during this period as well.