Early Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends your child’s first visit to the Orthodontist to take place by age 7.
For a jaw growth problem or tooth problem, it might be necessary for this visit to take place as early as age 5 or 6. It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight.
Make sure you bring this up to the attention of your family dentist. They are a good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. Our initial exam is comprehensive and complementary and we would be more than happy to make any recommendations necessary.
At Center City Orthodontics, we take advantage of this early intervention if required and do orthopedic correction so that the foundation is set for orthodontic treatment that has stable and functional results.
Many parents are surprised to hear this because they are used to thinking orthodontic treatment with adolescence and teenagers. But braces or appliances for kids are not uncommon and can also have psychosocial benefits if the child’s teeth are very crooked or crowded.
Your child should have an orthodontic exam if any of these warning sign are present:
- Crowding or blocked teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Finger sucking or other such habits
- Overbite or Crossbite
- Mouth Breathing
Palatal Expander
Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is an appliance used for patients who have a narrow upper jaw. A narrow upper jaw causes crowding of teeth, problems with tooth eruption and can result in a crossbite. The palatal expander gently widens the upper arch (palate). Once the palate is widened, the area fills in with newly formed bone. This appliance is prescribed while the patient is still growing thus enabling us to take advantage of the growth phase.
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