Dr. Michael Payne of American River Orthodontics near Citrus Heights, CA is often asked if a child may eventually need orthodontic attention, what the signs are to look for, and at what age should a child begin treatment. As a child develops, one of the first things parents begin to worry about is their child’s oral health. No two cases are the same. Dr. Michael Payne has the answers to a few of the most important questions that you may have.
When Is it Best to Begin Treatment?
In many cases, orthodontic issues can be detected early in life. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age seven. During your child’s examination or treatment, your orthodontist can:
- Spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while baby teeth are still present, predicting and treating for problems that might arise in the future.
- Diagnose a problem that only an orthodontist, like Dr. Michael Payne, is able to detect. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be clues to future issues.
- Identify a developing problem that isn’t noticeable by a general dentist’s exam. The doctor will likely recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and if indicated, begin orthodontic treatment at a time that is appropriate for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early orthodontic intervention.
- Prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age less time consuming and complicated.
Early Intervention
An American River Orthodontics associate says that, in some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing, thus preventing orthodontic treatment later in life. Early treatment will give your orthodontist the chance to:
- Guide the jaw’s growth correctly
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct careless or harmful oral habits
- Improve appearance and confidence
- Grow permanent teeth into a more favorable position
- Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
Because patients differ in physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment for them at the most appropriate time in their lives. Dr. Michael Payne says that through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile! Even if your child is older than age 7, it is never too late for a thorough examination with Dr. Michael Payne and the team at American River Orthodontics.
What are the first steps?
Dr. Michael Payne and his team will examine your child and discuss which options are best suited to correct their orthodontic issues. Once you have agreed on the appropriate treatment plan with Dr. Michael Payne and the amazing staff at American River Orthodontics, you will be on the road to the healthy and gorgeous smile you have always wanted! We invite you to call American River Orthodontics to learn more about orthodontic treatment for children near Citrus Heights, CA at: 916.486.4233!