When is the best time to schedule an initial consultation?
Every child should see an orthodontist at an early age. This could be as young as 2 or 3, but should be no later than age 7. Early consultation allows Dr. McAnnally to determine the best time to begin treatment. Many parents and some family dentists incorrectly assume that a child must have all of their permanent teeth before they can be treated. In fact, treatment is often much easier and better results are obtained, if treatment is started earlier. Early treatment can often eliminate extractions and take advantage of growth to improve the appearance of the face. With proper timing, children may not have to endure added years of embarrassment, lowered self-esteem, and detrimental affects on personality development. Adults, though subject to growth limitations, can normally be treated at any age.
Every child should see an Orthodontist at an early age. This could be as young as 4 or 5, but the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial consultation no later than age 7. By age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occured, that problems can be identified. Early consultation allows the Orthodontist to determine the optimum time for treatment to begin. Many parents and some family Dentists assume that they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find out that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Early treatment can eliminate the need for more drastic measures. In some cases, satisfactory results are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. With proper timing, children may not have to endure years of embarrassment due to problems with their teeth. Adults can be treated at any age as long as the gums and bone holding the teeth are healthy.
Every child should see an orthodontist at an early age. We start seeing patients at age 7 or earlier if you suspect a problem. By then, the 6-year molars have grown in behind the baby teeth, and the front teeth are erupting into place. An early consultation will allow Dr. Jarrell to determine the optimum time for treatment to begin. This does not mean that all children need treatment at this age, but it does allow the assessment of each individual case to determine who could benefit from early intervention. Many parents and some family dentists assume that they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find out that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Early treatment can eliminate the need for more drastic measures. In some cases, satisfactory results are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. With proper timing, children may not have to endure years of embarrassment.
Every child should see an orthodontist at an early age. This could be as young as 2 or 3, but the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial consultation no later than age 7. By age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred, that problems can be identified. Early consultation allows the orthodontist to determine the optimum time for treatment to begin. Many parents and some family dentists assume that they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find out that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Early treatment can eliminate the need for more drastic measures. In some cases, satisfactory results are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. With proper timing, children may not have to endure years of embarrassment. Adults can be treated at any age as long as the gums and bone holding the teeth are healthy.
