Age 7 - Why is it so important?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, Dr. Simister can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships.
Many orthodontics problems can be treated earlier and much easier by working with the growth and development that takes place in younger children. Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and a greater opportunity for more effective treatment when needed.
There are many advantages of doing early or "interceptive" treatment. Some of the most direct results include:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for permanent tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
Not every child at the age of 7 is in need of early treatment. In many cases, Dr. Simister recommends re-evaluating the patient approximately every 6 months to ensure proper growth and development
Growth & Development Program
Just like many things in life, there is an optimal time for starting orthodontic treatment. Our growth and development program is designed to assure you that if treatment is necessary, it will begin at the ideal time. By enrolling your 7 year old in our program, the following will be reviewed:
- Monitoring the growth and development
- Interception of potential problems at an early age
- No charge for photos, x-rays and the important evaluation check
During your initial evaluation, our Treatment Coordinator will take a set of photographs and a panoramic x-ray of your child. Dr. Simister will then perform an oral exam while the Treatment Coordinator charts the information. These procedures give us a baseline to monitor changes as the primary teeth fall out and the permanent teeth come in.
By monitoring your child's growth and development, we can make sure everything happens in the proper sequence and intercept any potential problems.
Having your child checked periodically will allow you to be more proactive instead of reactive when it comes to your favorite little smiles!