Remember those days back in middle school when your whole world felt as though it had conspired to destroy your life? Your feet were too big for your body. Your body was too big for your brain. The happiness and sunshine of life felt as though they had been significantly dimmed. The world was always cloudy, and to top it all off, you were getting BRACES. Clearly, your parents hated you and were purely out to destroy your life for the next few years, reduce you to eating mashed potatoes, and keep you from ever chewing bubble gum again. This burden would be with you for years! But not anymore! Orthodontic treatments don’t have to be so painfully long and unsightly thanks to recent developments.
But now the question is, when is the right time to visit the orthodontist anyway? Knowing when it’s right to have your child’s orthodontic examination is crucial to the dental health of your child, as well as the financial health of your savings account. Traditionally examinations and orthodontics began when the patient reaches the age of 11. But recent advancements in the precision of orthodontic technology have made it not only possible but preferable to receive orthodontic examinations at much earlier. It is not used to prolong the process, but shorten it! Receiving an examination at the appropriate time allows you and your Idaho Falls orthodontist to determine the necessity of orthodontic services, and plan appropriately.
Why Schedule An Examination So Early?
The American Association of Orthodontists has developed a recommended schedule for most orthodontic examinations. They suggest that the first visit be completed soon after the patient reaches seven years of age. Around this time, the adult molars are beginning to come in, allowing for an accurate prediction of bite, spacing, crowding, and proper jaw development.
The orthodontist, armed with this information, is then able to work with the patient to make recommendations for the most effective treatment plans that prevent further damage. In many cases, including the use of preventative interceptive treatments to reduce time in braces and other methods of orthodontic reparation.
What Can You Expect From Your Idaho Falls Orthodontic Examination?
A lot of factors are taken into account during an orthodontic examination including but not limited to:
- Tooth positioning
- Spacing
- Jaw Development
With some highly qualified orthodontists taking into account
- Facial Structure
- Profile
- Future development
Your Idaho Falls orthodontist will carefully study these factors during your orthodontic evaluation, making plans for the treatment and mitigation of all developing or established problems.
Idaho Falls Orthodontic Treatment
As mentioned previously, treatment traditionally was postponed until patients reached ages of 11 to 13 when braces were installed, and occasionally adult teeth were removed to make room for the remaining teeth. The developed jaw and teeth, however, often left a real mess to clean up. Taking extensive periods to move the teeth into their proper positions, with countless tightening appointments, and tooth removals to bring back a healthy smile.
Recently, however, the introduction of Interceptive Treatment has drastically reduced the time spent in braces and the necessity of tooth removal. Interceptive treatment begins at nine years of age because, for most patients, the adult teeth have started to come in, but the jaw and bones haven’t fully developed, allowing for quicker, easier, less painful adjustments improving symmetrical jaw development and tooth placement. Some orthodontists use what is called the Damon System to replace traditional braces and further decrease treatment time.
Interceptive Treatment
Interceptive Treatment is simply, early evaluation and treatment for specific, more significant problems such as crowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and buck teeth. Interceptive treatment typically begins at nine years of age, but even as early as 6 or 7 for many patients as opposed to the traditional 11. At this point, the adult teeth have not yet fully emerged from the gums and can be adjusted into more optimal positions upon emerging from the gums using interceptive treatment. Interceptive treatment capitalizes on the growth that the child’s jaw is still undergoing to promote proper development in teeth and jaw, leading to better oral health later on. Interceptive treatment may not be all that is required, but it does often reduce the time and expenses needed to repair the positioning and bite of the teeth and jaw later in life.
The Damon System
The Damon System is yet another technological marvel making the orthodontic experience a walk in the park. The Damon System is referred to as a “Self Ligating” treatment option replacing traditional braces. Self-ligating means that they don’t require any elastic or metal bands. Eliminating the tightening process entirely, along with extractions and palate expanders. Offered in two varieties, both metal and ceramic clear, this groundbreaking system combined with interceptive treatment reduces both treatment time and pain safely and effectively.
Wrapping Things Up
In conclusion, the best time for you to visit the orthodontist is earlier rather than later. Getting your child’s orthodontic examination between the ages of 6 and 7 is the optimal time in order to leave open all potential routes of treatment. Furthermore, it gives you the freedom to choose alongside your local Idaho Falls orthodontist the best course of action for your child’s personalized treatment needs. As the field continues to grow and develop, new ways and methods of treatment will continue to emerge, giving us all happier, healthier smiles!