Early Treatment
Beginning Orthodontic Care in San Juan Capistrano
When is the best time to begin orthodontic care?
Though orthodontists can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning orthodontic care at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin orthodontic care.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early orthodontic evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, orthodontists can carefully monitor growth and development and provide orthodontic care when the timing is ideal.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, orthodontists can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side 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 incredible smile.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive orthodontic treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through 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
Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic care is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you.
At Olsen Orthodontics in Orange County near Dana Point, California, we see the benefits to the patient and family when orthodontic evaluations are done early as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. These evaluations indicate if orthodontic treatment will be necessary and, if so, the optimal time for orthodontic care to begin. Call our office in San Juan Capistrano, just a few minutes north of San Clemente, CA, today to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Or simply fill out the form on this page and we will contact you.
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