Early Treatment
When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at the RIGHT time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or on average at age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but a vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
An early evaluation or check up provides an opportunity to detect problems timely. If needed, intervention may be required which may involve guiding growth and development preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal. REMEMBER, early evaluation does not mean early treatment. Not every child will benefit from treatment early.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at the RIGHT time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or on average at age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but a vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
An early evaluation or check up provides an opportunity to detect problems timely. If needed, intervention may be required which may involve guiding growth and development preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal. REMEMBER, early evaluation does not mean early treatment. Not every child will benefit from treatment early.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry and balance if practical and possible by guiding dental and jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Eliminating oral habits capable of effecting normal dental development
- Improve a patient’s self-esteem
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal if practical
- Reducing future treatment time with braces