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WHEN TO BRING MY CHILD FOR

THEIR FIRST APPOINTMENT

The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that most children should be evaluated by an orthodontist around the age of 7.  Even if early treatment isn't necessary, an orthodontist can help monitor growth and tooth eruption to quickly address a problem if it arises.  Many people think orthodontic treatment cannot be started until a child has lost all of their baby teeth, but in certain cases there are benefits to early orthodontic treatment such as creating room for crowded or impacted teeth, eliminating crossbites, and addressing orthopedic/jaw issues.

TERMINOLOGY

There are a few names that orthodontists use to refer to early treatment.  It is helpful to know these terms are used interchangeably:

  • Phase I

  • Early Intervention

  • Interceptive Treatment

A CONSERVATIVE APPROACH

At Crowe & Co. Orthodontics, we take a conservative approach to treatment.  We take an especially conservative approach to early treatment and limit it to issues that must be corrected during a specific growth period, or that if left untreated, can cause damage to the teeth and/or gums.  Because of this, we are honest about treatment timing and you can trust that your child will only receive treatment that is necessary.  For the vast majority of our patients, early treatment is not needed.  In these cases, we will continue to monitor the growth and development of the patient, as well as the eruption of their permanent teeth to determine the best time to start their orthodontic treatment!

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