When Is it Best to Begin Treatment?
In many cases, orthodontic issues can be detected early in life. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7, and necessary dentistry can begin from age 3. During your child’s examination or treatment, your orthodontist can:
Spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while baby teeth are still present, to diagnose and treat problems that might arise in the future.
Diagnose a problem that only an orthodontist, like Dr. John Walker, is able to detect. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be clues to future issues.
Identify a developing problem that isn’t noticeable by a general dentist’s exam. The doctor will likely recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and if indicated, begin orthodontic treatment at a time that is appropriate for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early orthodontic intervention.
Prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age less time consuming and complicated.
Early Intervention
A Walker Orthodontics associate says that, in some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing, thus preventing orthodontic treatment later in life. Early treatment will give your orthodontist the chance to:
Guide the jaw’s growth correctly
Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
Correct careless or harmful oral habits
Improve appearance and confidence
Grow permanent teeth into a more favorable position
Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
Because patients differ in physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment for them at the most appropriate time in their lives. Dr. Liz Walker says that through an early orthodontic evaluation at 3 years old, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile! Even if your child is older, it is never too late for a thorough examination with Dr. Liz Walker and the team at Walker Orthodontics.
What are the first steps?
Dr. John Walker, Dr. Liz Walker, and the team will examine your child and discuss which options are best suited to correct their orthodontic issues. Once you have agreed on the appropriate treatment plan with Dr. John Walker, Dr. Liz Walker, and the amazing staff at Walker Orthodontics, you will be on the road to the healthy and gorgeous smile you have always wanted! We invite you to call Walker Orthodontics to learn more about orthodontic treatment for children near Acton, MA at: 978.345.7988
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic-related topics, feel free to contact Walker Orthodontics, with convenient orthodontic offices in Harvard & Lunenburg, by calling 978.345.7988 or clicking here to request your complimentary, no-obligation Walker Orthodontics Smile Assessment.
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