My Child's First Orthodontic Exam

By Shadi Saba, DDS

Saba Orthodontics

. http://www.sabaortho.com/

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My Child's First Orthodontic Exam

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this age, the six-year molars and several permanent teeth in most children have erupted allowing the orthodontist to effectively evaluate most developing orthodontic problems.

Will my child's teeth straighten out on their own as they grow?

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as a child grows. In most people, after the permanent six-year molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth actually decreases with age.

Is there a cost for the initial examination?

Not usually. Most orthodontist's believe that the relationship established during a patient's first visit is much more important than an office visit charge.

What will happen at the initial examination appointment?

Upon arriving at the orthodontist's office, each patient and parent will be greeted and asked to fill out a patient information card that includes some personal information and a brief medical history. The orthodontist will conduct a brief but thorough examination of the patient's mouth to determine if there is a need for orthodontic treatment.

He or she will be looking to determine if there is enough room to hold all of your teeth, if the top teeth are lined up correctly with the bottom teeth, if any teeth are crooked or not growing in the right position and if there are missing or extra teeth.

Every patient will also be asked if they are experiencing any breathing problems, if they have had any finger or tongue habits and have they experienced any jaw joint problems?

What will I learn from the initial examination?

There are five important questions that will be answered during the initial examination Is there an orthodontic problem and if so, what is it? What must be done to correct the problem? Will any permanent teeth need to be removed? How long will the treatment take to complete? How much will the treatment cost?

In addition to these, the orthodontist will take the time to answer any other questions a patient or parent may have.

Will I have to have any teeth removed for braces?

Removing teeth is sometimes needed to get the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth, a good bite, and a balanced facial profile are always the goal. However, because today's technology has resulted in advanced orthodontic procedures, the need for removing teeth has been greatly reduced.