Early Orthodontic Treatment

To protect their smile, all children should have an orthodontic exam by age 7.

Most parents understand that orthodontic treatment can benefit their children's confidence and self-esteem. But did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an orthodontic exam no later then age 7? This is when permanent teeth begin to erupt and some children already have orthodontic problems. If these problems are left untreated, they can be more difficult, time-consuming and expensive to treat later in life, or may cause significant dental or growth damage.

Young childen can face several dental development problems.

Just one crooked tooth can throw off the bite, preventing proper cleaning and can cause functional problems as the child grows older. These problems include: Gum disease, cavities, and speech disorders. Dr. Kay Daniel will conduct a comprehensive exam to check for these and other problems:

Overbit and Underbite
Severe crowding
Finger-or thumb-sucking
Tonge-thrusting
Cross bite of front and back teeth
Eruption problems and space management
Facial esthetic problems

Early orthodontic care can minimize the need for future treatment.

Early detection and treatment can improve tooth eruption patterns, influence proper jaw growth, lower risk of trauma, improve speech problems, correct harmful oral habits and among other things, reduce future treatment time and cost. Dr. Daniel always first considers conservative treatment options, including expanders, partial braces and custom appliances. The goal is to minimize the progression of problems and to prevent the need for future surgical correction.

With more than a decade of experience, Dr. Daniel is a capable and dedicated orthodontic specialist. In addition to her skill and advanced care, Dr. Daniel provides the personal attention and caring heart that make visiting the orthodontist comfortable and fun.

For more information about early interceptive orthodontic treatment and to discover your child's beautiful, confident smile, call Explore Orthodontics today!