Early orthodontic treatment can address and prevent a variety of concerns in a child’s developing mouth. Here at Hamer & Hamer Orthodontics in Charlottesville, Ruckersville & Crozet, VA we encourage all parents to bring their children in for an early orthodontic evaluation with us. Even if our doctors determine it is too early for treatment, our team will be able to determine when your child will be ready and when treatment should commence.
Early orthodontic care can be a huge advantage for the future of your child’s oral health. In many cases,space management while the baby teeth are being lost can prevent the need for future extraction of permanent teeth due to overcrowding. In some other cases, early treatment can be employed in an effort to avoid future surgical correction of poor skeletal relationships.
Dr. David B. Hamer takes a conservative approach toward early treatment with a philosophy that doors should not be closed prematurely with respect to extractions of permanent teeth or jaw surgeries. His opinion is that if there is doubt, treatment should start without these approaches with the knowledge that teeth can always be removed, but they cannot be replaced.
Please read below to find answers to any early treatment questions you might have. If you have further questions please feel free to contact us at one of our Virginia office locations today!
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. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the intiial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest results and the least amount of time and expenses. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, however detailed examination can anticipate the best time to behing treatment.
How will early orthodontic evaluation benefit my child?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Cautious intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. The sooner you act, the lower risk your child will have of developing future problems. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Why age 7?
By the time a child turns 7, the first molars erupt, thus establishing the back bite. This is an ideal time for orthodontists to evaluate front-to-back and side-to-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 amazing smile earlier in your child’s life.
What are some orthodontc problems I should look out for?
According to the AAO, the following are some early warning signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Finger sucking or other oral habits
- Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
- Speech difficulty
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- Grinding or clinching of teeth
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the direct results of early orthodontic treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
My child has a bad bite; should it be treated?
Malocclusions, or bad bites, are misalignments of the teeth that occur when the upper and lower jaw do not line up correctly. Untreated bad bites can result in a variety of problems:
- Crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss properly, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
- Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accident chipping.
- Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear
- Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and cause speech impediments
The earlier you bring your child to Hamer & Hamer Orthodontics, the earlier we can determine the best course of action and begin orthodontic treatment. Dr. Hamer and Dr. Brown along with their staff are trained and skilled to work with children and provide a friendly, caring atmosphere that children and their parents can feel comfortable in. If you are in the Charlottesville, Ruckersville or Crozet, VA areas and a member of your family is in need of an orthodontic examination, give our office a call. We look forward to meeting you and helping your child achieve a beautiful, straight smile for life!