What is the best time to begin orthodontics?
While Orthodontics by Hipple and Sedivy can improve smiles at any age, there is usually a best age to begin treatment so we can achieve maximum improvement with a minimum amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child’s first visit to an orthodontist should take place when an orthodontic problem is first detected. In all cases, the AAO recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by no later than age 7. Although interceptive orthodontic treatment is not always indicated, careful observation can establish the best timing for orthodontic care.
What are the benefits of early screening?
Early screening not only provides timely detection of orthodontic problems, it presents mere opportunities to provide more effective orthodontic treatment. Timely intervention can gently guide growth and development and prevent more serious problems from occurring. For example, careful removal of selected primary (baby) teeth can temporarily borrow space for successful eruption of adult teeth. When interceptive treatment is not needed, Dr. Hipple can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment at the best time. Either way, a timely screening will give you peace of mind and that gives us all something to smile about.
Why is age 7 an ideal time for screening?
- The back bite is established when the first adult molars erupt, usually before age 7. Dr. Hipple and Dr. Sedivy can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side relationships at this time.
- The presence of erupting incisors indicates possible crowding, overbite, openbite, gummy smiles and habit patterns. Timely screening gives the doctors more chances to create an awesome smile.
- A timely screening helps parents and patients get to know the team at Orthodontics by Hipple and Sedivy. Even if immediate treatment is not indicated, we car provide detailed information on what may be needed in the future and appropriate treatment timing.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Interceptive treatment presents the opportunity to:
- Create more room for crowded out erupting teeth
- Create facial balance by influencing jaw growth
- Reduce risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserve or gain space for unerupted teeth
- Reduce the need for permanent tooth removal
- Simplify the treatment time with full braces
- Improve the self image of our children
Am I a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Beyond creating a great smile, orthodontics also improves bad bites, or “malocclusions”. A malocclusion occurs when the teeth or jaws are not properly aligned. Malocclusions can affect the way you clean your teeth, the way you chew, or the way you smile. Oftentimes, malocclusions can even affect the way you feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions may result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which contributes to tooth decay as well as gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping from trauma. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth patterns and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue thrusting habits and speech issues.
The bottom line is, with all the wonderful benefits of successful orthodontic treatment, your investment in orthodontics is an investment in your health and your future!