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Orthodontic problems can often be detected long before the permanent teeth are present in the mouth. Commonly, the diagnosis of crowding is evident in the space present between the baby teeth. As early as one or two years of age, future crowding issues become apparent. This is not to suggest that orthodontic treatment is initiated at that age, rather that future problems can be identified and treatment plans can formulated to eliminate or greatly reduce the orthodontic needs of the patient at later stages of childhood development. Early education allows parents to plan ahead and make informed decisions based on an in-depth understanding of the dental and orthodontic issues and their consequences developing over time.
As a dental clinic providing specialized care in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, we at Bluefish Dental are in a unique position to guide the eruption of teeth in the developing child and identify potential problems long before they have the opportunity to manifest themselves. Combined with our parent/patient based education model for treatment, we develop a treatment road map with “mile-markers” established for parents to partner in the management of their child’s dental and orthodontic concerns. Often, complicated orthodontic problems, when identified early, can be simplified or reduced by early intervention. Intervention can be as simple as monitoring normal growth and development over time to more extensive treatments involving braces or other appliances. The key to early treatment is the early recognition of potential problems and a strategy to manage those concerns over time.
When is it a good time to seek an orthodontic evaluation? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children to have had a screening x-ray and examination by age seven. The rationale behind that recommendation is based on the average development of the permanent teeth submerged in the jaw (not erupted) and those in the mouth. A panoramic x-ray provides a global overview of what is to come in terms of the presence or absence of teeth and the size of teeth developing relative to the size of the jaws that the teeth are growing within. An eary evaluation allows us to create a potential timeline for treatment based on the problems that are evident both in the mouth and in the x-ray.
When is the best time to see a child for an orthodontic concern? Simple--whenever a parent has a question. Even though treatment may not be indicated at that time, allaying the stress of wondering and waiting can be, as they say, priceless.
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