Our mouth is an important part of our life. We use it to eat, to speak, to express affection and to smile.
An attractive and healthy mouth is central to physical well-being and psychological health as it relates to self-esteem and confidence.
If your child’s teeth are irregular in appearance and if the teeth fit together in an unbalanced way, they may be emerging into life at a physical and psychological disadvantage.
Orthodontic treatment (braces) can transform the mouth and teeth. A great smile, good dental alignment and a bite in balanced function has many benefits:
- Increased self-confidence and improved self-image
- Teeth are easier to clean, making tooth decay and gum disease less likely. Tooth decay and gum disease are common reasons for crippling tooth loss
- Teeth are in balanced function (a good bite) which minimizes destructive damage to the teeth
- Jaw muscles and joints are in balanced function. Strain on jaw muscles and joints can become painful in some circumstances
Your dentist may recommend seeing an orthodontist, but a professional referral is really not necessary. After all, do people wait for a medical referral if they are aware that they need to exercise and lose weight? Most people visit the orthodontist because they are personally aware of poor tooth alignment or a poor bite.
SEE THE ORTHODONTIST AT AGE 7
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic examination at age 7. It is at this age that many problems with the developing jaws and teeth become apparent. I would recommend that all children at least be looked at by an orthodontic specialist at this age, with or without a dentist referral.
In most cases, orthodontic treatment will not be recommended at this age. But there are certain developing problems in the mouth that get worse over time, and eventually become very difficult to correct. Like any developmental problem, the earlier they are addressed, the better chance that they can be corrected. In those special cases, a period of treatment can make a huge difference in the future appearance and function of the mouth.
And don’t worry if your child is older than 7, as it’s never too late for a check-up!
CONSULTATION
The initial consultation with the orthodontist is typically a visual evaluation of the patient’s teeth and facial structure, with discussion to follow. Before starting any treatment, it is the practice standard to take x-ray pictures, photographs and tooth impressions so that the orthodontist can develop a treatment plan. Orthodontic treatment plans have many factors in common, but each individual has specific concerns that should be evaluated and discussed.
ORTHODONTISTS ARE SPECIALISTS
In most states, any dentist may provide orthodontic treatment, whether or not they have had special training. Only the Orthodontist has taken specialty training, for at least two years, in an accredited university program. Orthodontic specialists are focused full-time on one discipline- Orthodontic correction of the teeth and jaws. I recommend consulting a specialist for your orthodontic questions or concerns.
Your mouth is an important part of yourself and your overall heath. Don’t wait to talk to an orthodontist if you have any concerns or questions about your child’s smile!
About the Author:
Dr. Phillip J. Beckwith is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. After service in the United States Air Force, he returned to Ohio State to complete his residency in orthodontics. His extensive orthodontic experience includes continuing education in all phases of contemporary orthodontic treatment. Dr. Beckwith is a member of The American Association of Orthodontists.
Dr. Beckwith has offices in Westerville and Sunbury to serve his patients of all ages. You can reach him at 614-882-5391 (Westerville) or 740-965-8700 (Sunbury).
For more information, visit us at http://www.beckwithortho.com/ or Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeckwithDDS.
If you have any comments, feedback, or would like to suggest a topic, please email us at drb@beckwithortho.com and reference Macaroni Kid. Thank you.
Dr. Phillip Beckwith
