Straight Teeth - A Healthy Side Effect

Did you know there is more to Orthodontia than having straight teeth at the conclusion of treatment? The orthodontist knows, however, if the teeth aren't straight at the completion of a case, the patient will not be very happy.

Did you know the American Association of Orthodontics recommends age seven for the initial orthodontic evaluation? In the past, orthodontic treatment was often postponed until the adolescent years, when all the permanent teeth had erupted. It is now known that many orthodontic problems can be treated earlier and much easier by working with the growth that takes place in younger children.

Although treatment may not begin at this young age, an early examination allows orthodontists to monitor your child's dental development to determine the best time to start. Early detection can sometimes reduce the need for removal of permanent teeth. And because younger children are more enthusiastic and cooperative, total treatment time is often reduced. Additionally, if a child has a habit such as, finger or thumbsucking or a tongue thrust when he or she swallows, it is best to stop these habits much sooner than later. In many cases, positive orthodontic results can be achieved which would not otherwise be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

If the child's teeth are not ready for braces, an orthodontist should have a Pre-Orthodontic Guidance Program in place. The patient will be seen every 6, 9 or 12 months at no cost to you. This allows the orthodontist to monitor growth, maturity and eruption of teeth. If primary teeth need to be extracted or if adult teeth are erupting in a way to cause problems, the orthodontist can be proactive.

It is often said in medicine, to the cardiologist, time is muscle. For the orthodontist, moving teeth is slow business. Having straight teeth is almost always the desire of the patient. Sometimes there is a desire to have diastemas or spaces closed. Teeth spaced tightly together or crowded in the arch can create periodontal problems just as teeth improperly spaced can cause food impaction thus resulting in periodontal disease.