Article by PV Resident & Doctor John Trotter. DDS, MS Orthodontics and Dento-Facial Orthopedics
I am often asked by parents of younger children as to what is the best time to bring their child into the orthodontic office for their initial orthodontic examination.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should see an orthodontist by age 7. This is often a great time to pick up early problems, and to be able to treat an early problem in the most efficient, esthetic, and stable manner. However, for most children, 7 years of age is usually too early, as most orthodontic problems are better taken care of with one, comprehensive phase of treatment, at approximately 11-12 years of age.
I am often asked by parents of younger children as to what is the best time to bring their child into the orthodontic office for their initial orthodontic examination.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should see an orthodontist by age 7. This is often a great time to pick up early problems, and to be able to treat an early problem in the most efficient, esthetic, and stable manner. However, for most children, 7 years of age is usually too early, as most orthodontic problems are better taken care of with one, comprehensive phase of treatment, at approximately 11-12 years of age.
It’s Never too Late….
Dr. Trotter & Lowell Parode started treatment at 82 years old and finished his treatment at 84.
Whitney Engen, a player on the US National Women’s Soccer Team that won the Women’s World Cup.
4 orthodontic problems that lend themselves to an early first phase of treatment:
- Cross-bite. A cross-bite is when the upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth. This can include the front teeth (like a bulldog) or the back teeth. A cross-bite is much easier to take care of earlier and very stable.
- A large overbite. If the upper front teeth are positioned extremely far forward in relation to the lower teeth, they tend to be very fracture-prone and can often be correlated with lip-placement and musculature problems.
- Ectopic eruption. An ectopic eruption is when a permanent tooth is supposed to erupt at a certain time, but is unable to for some reason. These are often only diagnosed by the general or pediatric dentist. Guiding a tooth into the arch when timing is appropriate can often prevent further, more severe problems.
- Social issues. If a child is unwilling to smile in photos or around friends because of their perception of what their smile looks like, then it is often better to treat their smile early, thereby helping to improve the child’s self-esteem. Even if the problem could be taken care of in the future, the social well-being of the child may take precedence.
Patients and Friends
Even with the early correction of one or more of the problems above, a second, comprehensive phase is most-often needed to place all of the teeth in their most esthetic and stable position. If you ever have any questions regarding your child’s orthodontic health, please always ask your general dentist, pediatric dentist, or orthodontist. It is always better to see an orthodontist too early vs. too late.
John H. Trotter, DDS, MS
Orthodontics and Dento-Facial Orthopedics
Riviera Village Professional Building
310-373-0093
TrotterOrthodontics.com
