ORTHO SCREENINGS
TIME TO STRAIGHTEN UP
THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTISTS (AAO) RECOMMENDS THAT ALL CHILDREN HAVE A CHECK-UP WITH AN ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST NO LATER THAN AGE 7.
A variety of tooth and jaw issues can be resolved through orthodontics. Dr. Steven Oppenheimer may point out that your child's baby teeth appear crowded, or the relationship between the upper lower teeth isn't ideal.
Although many orthodontic wearers are teenagers, braces play a role for some children in their earlier years. Since permanent teeth are typically larger than baby teeth, space may need to be opened with the gentle force of braces or a device called a palatal expander. This allows adult teeth to move into place correctly, helping avoid more extensive treatment later.
A narrow jaw or a large overbite may create a similar dilemma. Gently guiding your child’s jaw growth while they are developing can make a tremendous difference down the road.