Four Big ReasonsForLittle Kids To See An Orthodontist (NAPSA)—Although parents may assume that they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth before seeing an orthodontist, the Amer- ican Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says thatall children should get a checkup with an orthodontist no later than age 7. WhyThen? 1. By age 7, enough permanentteeth have arrived for orthodontists to evaluate the bite, meaning the way teeth and jaws cometogether. 2. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect. 3. Early diagnosis allows the orthodontist to intervene at the best time for the patient. In some cases, the ortho- dontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jawshave finished growing. 4. Undesirable growth in jaws can- not “ungrow.” Improper tooth contact Give your kids something to smile about: Have them see an orthodontist no later than age 7. wears away enamel. Lost tooth enamel doesn’t come back. Anearly orthodontic evaluation gives your child the best opportunity for a It's not necessary to have a referral from your dentist to see an orthodontist. guide jaw growth, lower the risk oftrauma that parents themselves can be on the habits that affect teeth and supporting bone, and may improve appearance. Why An Orthodontist? back are outside the upperteeth Top teeth positioned behind bot- healthy, beautiful smile. Treatment can to protruded front teeth, correct harmful Orthodontists, explained Nahid Maleki, D.D.S., M.S., president of the American Association of Orthodontists, have more specific training than general or pediatric dentists to identify subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth, even if babyteeth are present. To become an orthodontist requires graduation from dental school followed by two to three years of specialized education in orthodontics at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws. All AAO membersare orthodontists. Problems to Watch for In Growing Children Meanwhile, there are tooth troubles lookout for. These include: Crossbite—bottom teeth in the tom teeth Front teeth don’t meet when back teeth are touching Top teeth that cover the lower teeth completely Protrusive upperjaws, upperteeth. The most common outcome of an age 7 checkupis “let’s wait and see” while the face and jaws continue to grow. If treatment proves necessary, periodic monitoring allows the orthodontist to suggest the appropriate treatmentat the appropriate time. Learn More For further facts and advice, or to find nearby AAO orthodontists, go to www.aaoinfo.org.
