What is an appropriate age to take your child to your Fort Collins orthodontist?

At what age should your little one begin to see your Fort Collins orthodontist? Orthodontic experts debate the problem of early intervention. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that a little one should see an orthodontist by age seven even though individual needs will determine the best time for treatment to begin. The time to first get a consultation from your Fort Collins orthodontist is when a kid begins to shed their baby teeth and adult teeth appear. Early treatment, before jaw development has slowed, makes many orthodontic difficulties less difficult to correct.

There are instances in which young kids have gotten braces to help correct an under or overbite, but most youngsters do not get braces until ages 11 to 15. At times, a family dentist will suggest an assesment at an even earlier age. Mouth-breathing, pacifier, thumb sucking and tongue thrust are all habits that might lead to the recommendation for early intervention as well as aiding in speech therapy.

Whether or not there will be space for permanent adult teeth can be determined by your Fort Collins orthodontist with the aid of a panoramic x-ray. treatment can start at this time if the orthodontist determines that there will not be sufficient space for the permanent teeth.

Appliances to increase the jaw or the earlier removal of deciduous teeth might be part of this earlier treatment. The possibility of permanent teeth erupting aligned are greatly elevated with this method which reduces the need for further orthodontic treatment or future extractions. When the adult teeth grow in, an orthodontist can either start treatment or advise whether or not treatment is required. If there is still progress necessary, the doctor will generally ask the child to come back in about a year to ascertain which kind of treatment, if any, will be necessary. A soft jaw and very easily moved teeth make a child's results appear more swiftly.

Many orthodontists recommend treating other bite problems, known as malocclusions, early. One of the most important problems to correct early is the crossbite. When the upper teether fit behind or inside the lower teeth, a crossbite occurs. Oral surgery may be needed to correct crossbites if left untreated which can lead to permanent deformation of the lower jaw and severe wear of the permanent teeth. An upper retainer or palate expanders to stimulate forward growth of the upper jaw can be a simple treatment.

"Buck teeth", another word for overbite, is another commonly treated orthodontic problem. When the upper jaw grows more rapidly that the lower jaw an overbite can occur, or simply from protruding front teeth. Treatment, when the jaw is involved, consists of an orthopedic appliance that helps to stimulate lower jaw growth and the addition of limited upper braces being placed on the front teeth. Treating the overbite early has the advantages of improving chewing function, speech, facial esthetics, reduced risk of dental injuries, and increased self-esteem.

Most children do not require treatment at an early age even though it is recommended that they see you Fort Collins orthodontist by age 7. Regular annual dental check ups will help to determine the best time, if any, to begin treatment.