Childrens' Orthodontics
Children - starting early is key to success
“Children should be screened by the time they are seven years old,” says Michael. “By the time the child is 10 or 11 years old, 80 per cent of their face development is complete.
“We specialise in significantly reducing the chances of extraction in children – less than five per cent of our patients.”
In most cases a removable 'plate' can develop the jaw to correct proportions, to allow room for all the adult teeth to erupt.
Why Screen by Age 7?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends screening no later than age 7 because:
- The posterior occlusion is established when the first molars erupt. At this time, one can evaluate the antero-posterior and transverse relationships of the occlusion, as well as discover any functional shifts.
- Incisors have begun to erupt and problems can be detected such as crowding, habits, deep bites, open bites and some facial asymmetries.
- For some, a timely screen will lead to significant treatment benefits; for most, the principal immediate benefit is a parent’s peace of mind.
- The dentist who makes timely referrals is rightly regarded as informed, caring and concerned for the total well being of the patient.
Benefits of Early Treatment
For those patients who have clear indications for early intervention, early treatment presents the opportunity to:
- influence jaw growth in a positive manner
- harmonise width of the dental arches
- improve eruption patterns
- lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors
- correct harmful oral habits
- improve aesthetics and self-esteem
- simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
- reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- improve some speech problems
- preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth.
To find out more about Childrens' Orthodontics please contact us
