ALL ABOUT ORTHODONTICS

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic screening by seven years of age. Though a visit to your orthodontist may seem unnecessary at such a young age, especially if the child’s teeth look straight, there may be underlying problems that only an orthodontist can detect. By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite and the front four adult teeth are erupting or will be erupting shortly. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships and detect problems such as crowding, crossbites, deep bites, open bites, protruding teeth, facial asymmetries and habits that may cause harm to the way teeth come together. Timely screening increases the chances for a sensational smile later in life.