Do I have to wait for my child to have lost all of their baby teeth?
This is one of the questions that parents most commonly ask Dr. Toro. There is a general belief that children don’t need to see an orthodontist until they have lost all of their baby teeth. Many parents and well-meaning dentists hold this view. This is not always in the best interests of patients for the following reasons:
The last baby tooth to fall out is usually the lower second deciduous (baby) molar. Although it’s a baby tooth, it’s rather large. In fact, it is considerably larger than the tooth that will replace it (this is Nature’s gift of EXTRA SPACE!). The difference in size is called the leeway or “E” space. This space is sufficient to eliminate lower front tooth crowding about 65% of the time. The “E” space is a fleeting thing. Once the second deciduous molar is out, the permanent molar behind it moves forward, uses up the space, and the opportunity is lost. If the E-space needs to be saved a space maintainer or lingual arch will be recommended BEFORE the baby tooth is lost.
Children who are seen before they lose their second deciduous molars have a good chance of avoiding extractions, as well as more extensive treatment. You might want to share this information with your friends and neighbors so they can be legend-busters and save the kids and their parents some grief.
At what age should a child first visit the orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should have an orthodontic screening by age 7. This allows Dr. Daniela Toro to determine if orthodontic treatment will be required and the best time for the patient to be treated. Dr. Toro has educated many of the dentists in our community and they have been trained to identify orthodontic problems early, and may refer you to our office earlier than age 7.
You do NOT need a referral to visit an orthodontist. Its important to note that if you have a child 7 and up you can call us directly to book a complimentary exam for your child. We always share the findings of this visit with your dentist so they can be informed of the jaw growth and teeth development.
Why are children being evaluated at such an early age?
Early diagnosis and treatment can guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position, preserve space for permanent teeth, improve appearance for self-conscious children, and reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruded front teeth. Also, Dr. Toro will evaluate factors that affect the jaw growth and teeth position. Remember kids are growing and we still have an opportunity to improve the development. If we identify any breathing, airway obstruction or sleep breathing disorder, we will refer to ENTs (Ear Nose and Throat doctors) for an evaluation. We also evaluate the frenum under the tongue and any tongue habits. The tongue is the muscle responsible for shaping the growth of the palate or upper jaw; when needed we refer to myofunctional therapists for an evaluation.
If early treatment is indicated, Dr. Toro can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper jaw, gain space for permanent teeth, guide erupting teeth into more favorable alignment, reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment, after all the permanent teeth erupt.
Does early treatment benefit all children?
Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Most children have orthodontic treatment between the ages of ten and fourteen. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. The doctors develop a plan for treatment based on each individual child’s needs. If the doctor decides the patient is not ready for treatment, they are placed on our orthodontic observation program, and will be reevaluated every 6-12 months.
What is the Orthodontic Re-Examination Program?
The orthodontic re-examination program is for patients who are not ready for treatment and have been placed on recall. This program enables us to monitor the eruptive pattern of the permanent teeth. Sometimes, poor erupted patterns of permanent teeth may be eliminated with early removal of baby teeth and reduce the treatment time required for braces. We will notify your general dentist of any recommendations made during your visit. We normally see the patients on recall every 6-12 months to observe their progress as they grow. This program helps the orthodontist determine the optimum time to begin treatment and achieve the best possible result for your child.
In addition to a beautiful new smile, what are some other benefits of orthodontic treatment?
Braces can improve function of the bite and teeth, improve ability to clean the teeth, prevent wear on the teeth, and increase the longevity of natural teeth over a lifetime.
If a child has treatment early, will this prevent the need for braces as an adolescent?
Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent more severe problems from developing, and simplify future treatment. Because all of the permanent teeth have not yet erupted when early treatment is performed, their final alignment may not have been corrected. Typically, a shortened comprehensive phase of treatment (Phase II – full braces) in the teen years, after all the permanent teeth have erupted, completes the correction. However, in some circumstances, further orthodontic treatment may not be indicated.
Do we still need to see our family dentist during orthodontic treatment?
Patients with braces and other orthodontic appliances require more effort to keep their teeth and gums clean. Because we want to insure the highest level of dental health, we recommend you see your family dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings every 6 months during orthodontic treatment.