While many parents might realize their children need to see an orthodontist to correct specific issues with their teeth, they do not realize the American Association of Orthodontists suggests the first visit begin at age six. This does not mean the orthodontic treatment will begin at that point. Rather, it means the orthodontist will make an initial assessment of your child’s orthodontic needs at that time and make a recommendation as to treatment if needed. If you have questions regarding early orthodontic assessment for your child, please reach out to us at Senestraro Family Orthodontics.
Early Detection
Early detection helps in so many ways for treatments to fully impact the disease or disorder they are attempting to treat. This is the case for orthodontic situations as well. The earlier issues are discovered the earlier the treatment can start. This will help to greatly decrease the amount of time needed to complete the orthodontic treatment course as well as the overall cost. It can also help aid in your child’s skeletal and muscular development.
Evaluations
The early assessment will include looking at the overall structure of the patient’s mouth, teeth, and head. The earlier the issues are caught, the less potential for damage. It can also stop the improper wear of teeth.
Our staff will look for obvious signs of improper orthodontics. This includes when the upper front teeth extend over the lower teeth. The underbite is just as it sounds when lower teeth jut out farther than the upper teeth. Both of these situations can cause improper wear and put a strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
There is also something known as a deep bite. This occurs when the upper teeth obscure the lower teeth completely. An open bite is another concern and occurs when the back teeth touch but the front teeth do not. Improper alignment is also addressed in the assessment as is the issue of overcrowding. For those who have their upper teeth completely fit inside their lower teeth when their mouth is closed, they suffer from what is known as a crossbite.
Orthodontic Problems
With the misalignment of the jaw, patients will suffer potential bone structure problems and probable surgical repair. It might seem unusual, but these structural problems can even hinder spine development which can cause future pain and discomfort and the need for possible surgery.
Symptoms in Need of an Early Orthodontic Assessment
Some symptoms need immediate attention while others do not. The good news is the assessment is painless and takes less than 20 minutes to complete. Most of the time, symptoms children report can be chalked up to developmental pain, but in other cases, it can mean other underlying things are going on, such as when children have a difficult time chewing or report clicking and pain in the TMJ area. Many times, they will also have a difficult time speaking or swallowing food. Some children also have issues with crowded teeth which can complicate their bite motion.
Please reach out to us as soon as possible to provide you with an early orthodontic assessment to address your needs. We are located at Senestraro Family Orthodontics. Feel free to call us at (503) 228-1945.
Early Orthodontics • Portland, OR • Senestraro Family Orthodontics If you have questions regarding early orthodontic assessment for your child, please reach out to us at Senestraro Family Orthodontics. We are here to help! Senestraro Family Orthodontics, 5216 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97206-6150 ^ (503) 228-1945 ^ woodstock.senestrarofamilyortho.com ^ 6/4/2023 ^ Tags: orthodontist Portland ^
