For Children
Dr. Rediger and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that by age 7 children be evaluated for the need of possible orthodontic treatment. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. This visit will provide parents with information regarding their child's skeletal growth pattern, dental development, as well as, to advise parents on ideal treatment timing. In most cases the orthodontist will simply monitor the patient at a 6 to 12 month interval until the patient is either ready for treatment or it is determined that treatment is not needed. Benefits of early Treatment
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
- Gain space for permanent teeth
- Reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions
- Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Correct thumb-sucking, and regulate abnormal swallowing or speech problems
- Simplify later treatment
- Improve the child's self image during formative years
