Orthodontics for Children: How Old and Why
AV Orthodontics, Calgary presents: “Orthodontics for Kids Quiz Time”
(You were getting tired of the usual FAQ, weren’t you?)
Q1: When is the recommended age for early orthodontic assessment?
- a. 4-5 years old
- b. 7-8 years old
- c. 11-13 years old
If you chose ‘b’, good for you!
Q2: Why should children get assessed at this age?
- a. Early assessment can prevent the need for jaw surgery.
- b. Early assessment can prevent the need for tooth extractions.
- c. Both of the above.
You chose ‘c’, right? Isn’t that info good to know?!
OK…so now the big question is…
Q3: How does early assessment help in such a dramatic way?
- a. AV Orthodontics can fix everything early on.
- b. AV Orthodontics can get to know your child.
- c. AV Orthodontics can work on jaw growth.
Was this one a bit tricky? Nice! So here’s the answer:
Early assessment is definitely NOT in order to fix everything at a young age.
Some orthodontic issues are mild to moderate, nothing very complex. These issues can comfortably wait until the permanent teeth have erupted (are in place) and be treated later on when the child is 12-15 years old.
And while AV Orthodontics is always super pleased to get to know each and every child that comes to us, we never waste your time with unnecessary visits.
The answer, then, is ‘c’.
Interesting, right?
Orthodontics can influence jaw development. This allows the rest of the teeth to come in reasonably well.
Net result? Later treatment can be done in a very straightforward fashion.
In other words, early assessment means any needed orthodontic treatment will be shorter, less invasive, and give better outcomes.
If your child has an underbite, crossbite, sleep apnea, crowded teeth, too much space between teeth or you’d just like peace of mind about your child’s orthodontic situation, Dr. Antosz and Dr. Vincelli look forward to hearing from you.
