The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children receive an orthodontic screening examination by age 7.
Why Screen By Age 7?
-The posterior occlusion or bite is established when the first or six-year molars erupt. At this time, the orthodontist can evaluate the child's occlusion in all three planes of space as well as discover any functional shifts or abnormal or unstable biting patterns.
-Incisors or front teeth have begun to erupt and significant problems can be detected such as crowding, habits, deepbites, openbites and some facial asymmetries.
-For some children, a timely screening will lead to significant treatment benefits; for most, the principal immediate benefit is the parents' peace of mind as they confirm that they are not missing any significant "windows of opportunity" for their child.
-The family or pediatric dentist who makes timely referrals is rightly regarded as informed, caring and concerned for the total well being of the patient.
It is Drs. Handy & Handy's philosophy that
it is NEVER too early to take a quick look, but sometimes it is TOO LATE to
intercept and correct a problem. It is this belief that underlies the doctors'
commitment to providing an orthodontic examination and consultation free of
charge to EVERY patient who comes to our office.
Benefits of Early Treatment
While the majority of children will not need Phase I or Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment, for those children who do present clear indications, Early Treatment offers the unique opportunity to:
-Maintain or increase space for erupting permanent teeth -Correct adverse oral habits such as thumb sucking -Improve permanent tooth eruption patterns -Reduce likelihood of impacted or "stuck" permanent teeth
-Coordinate or harmonize the width of the dental arches
-Lower the risk of traumatic injury to protrusive upper front teeth
-Prevent certain periodontal or gum tissue problems that can develop due to harmful bites or permanent tooth eruption into arches with severe crowding
-Influence upper and/or lower jaw growth in a positive manner
-Prevent facial and jaw asymmetry by eliminating abnormal functional or biting patterns
-Enhance facial profile by influencing jaw growth to be expressed in a favorable direction
-Improve some speech problems -Improve facial & dental esthetics and patient self-esteem
-Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later comprehensive orthodontics
