Early Treatment

When should my child have their first visit?

Although it is never too late to choose a smile you love, The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that a child has his/her first orthodontic examination by the time he/she is 7-years-old. At this age a child’s jaw is still growing and forming, with x-ray’s and an examination Dr. Chan can recognize any potential orthodontic problems and recommend if any treatment is beneficial. If at that time Dr. Chan decides your child isn’t ready for orthodontic treatment she will continue to monitor their growth.

Will my child need early treatment?

Not all children need early treatment, only specific orthodontic issues will need to be resolved in early treatment. If Dr. Chan doesn’t see a need for early treatment at that time she will continue to monitor your child’s growth and development periodically. Once the time is right treatment will be recommended.

What is the goal of early treatment?

The goal of early treatment is not to approve the appearance but rather create a ideal environment for permanent teeth to come in. For some patients that may have to do with habits like thumb- or finger-sucking or tongue position when swallowing. These habits may be treated with an appliance. Other times a child’s jaw may be too narrow limiting space for adult teeth to come in, requiring a palatal expander to widen the jaw. There may be other cases where early orthodontics is recommended, Dr. Chan upon examination can decide which appliance, if any will be best suited to your child and his/her orthodontic needs.

If treatment is done, does this mean my child is done with treatment?

In some cases a first phase of preventive treatment is all that a patient needs. But the majority of patients will require a second phase of treatment once they have all of their permanent teeth.