Early Dental Treatment for Kids | Torrey Pines Orthodontics | Mary Lynn Merz. DDS | Orthodontist | San Diego | CA | California

Seven Warning Signs in 7-year olds?

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 this 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 no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides 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.

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.

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 through influencing jaw growth; reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth; preserving space for unerupted teeth; reducing the need for tooth removal; and reducing treatment time with braces.

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics are not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.

Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you.

Seven Warning Signs in 7-year olds?

An orthodontist answers the following questions when making a first evaluation. These answers are based on visual observation of the mouth and teeth. When you know what to look for, you can answer these questions, too.

1. Do the upper teeth protrude? Excessive protrusion of the upper front teeth –“buck teeth”- is by far the most common orthodontic problem.

2. Is there a deep bite? The upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much.

3. Is there an under bite? The upper teeth fit inside the arch of the lower teeth.

4. Is there an open bite? The child can stick his or her tongue between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together.

5. Is there too little or too much room for the teeth? Crowded or overlapped teeth… …or noticeably large gaps between the teeth.

6. Do the front teeth line up? The space between the two upper front teeth and the two lower front teeth should line up with each other and both should line up with bridge of the nose. When they do not, the probable cause is drifted teeth or a shifted lower jaw, resulting in an improper bite.

7. Is there a cross bite? The upper back teeth fit inside, rather than outside of the lowers.

Seeking treatment earlier than age seven is recommended if you child has:

	· Difficulty chewing · Open-mouth breathing · Thumb or finger sucking · Overlapping or crowding of erupting permanent teeth · Jaws that click or pop · Biting of the cheek or into the roof of the mouth · Speech problems · Grinding or wearing down of teeth · Obvious abnormal bite development of any kind