What is the Right Time for an [Orthodontist] Checkup?

Last Updated on August 23, 2018 by Guest Post

Whenever a child’s teeth emerge, they start to shape the jaw line and make various changes which may or may not cause problems in the future. It is important to have a child screened and evaluated by an orthodontic specialist very early. It is never too late to have a checkup though and most experts will recommend having an orthodontic checkup before age seven, as an orthodontist can determine whether or not there may be issues down the line that may cause discomfort or dangers to the bite.

A child may be evaluated even when they still have baby teeth in place. This allows for the practitioner to be able to provide early treatment if necessary or to recommend observation during growth which can indicate necessary treatment. Whenever precautionary measures are taken with orthodontic practices it may prevent problems from developing or reduce the amount of time the child will have to deal with it in the future.

These doctors can help to ensure that the jaw grows in a proper shape during critical growth timeframes. Teeth that are skewed towards the front can be corrected to provide lower chances of receiving trauma. Manipulation of the teeth and certain procedures can correct and improve a smile in many ways. The shape of the bite can also be made to improve how the lips look when resting over teeth. A quality practitioner will take the appropriate steps to create a treatment plan that works with each and every individual patient.

Timeframes to Getting Orthodontic Work Done

Children between the ages of 6-9 are going to be able to benefit the most from orthodontic treatments as they grow up. Preteens to early teens will be able to have their teeth straightened and have issues corrected during their hormonal growth spurts. Late teens and adults will have the longest treatment plans because the way their jaws are growing tends to be a lot slower or not at all. Adult treatment works but the changes may not be as immediate in their smile.

Even some children who grew up with orthodontic work may have to revisit later in life if their teeth shift significantly after not wearing a retainer or following their care provider’s recommendations. Getting additional work undertaken on their teeth later in life may provide a more even and straight smile with little or no problems with their teeth. It is totally preventable with a patient keeping their retainer in as long as it is needed.

Insurance can be an obstacle in providing orthodontic work for adults. Some will not cover the costs for adults over the age of 18 years and it will be an out of pocket cost. Not all care providers will have payment plans available for their patients but those that do make it a lot easier to provide beautiful smiles to those who cannot afford the immediate costs.

Signs That a Checkup Maybe Critical

Children may not show immediate signs that they need brace work but the following are some cases where your child may benefit from a checkup:

• Baby teeth are growing irregular
• Loss of baby teeth early
• Loss of baby teeth late
• Problems eating their food when chewing
• Problems eating their food when biting
• Crowding of teeth
• Misplacement of teeth
• Shifting of jaws
• Jaws that make sounds when moving
• Teeth regularly bite cheeks
• Teeth regularly cut or scrape the roof of the mouth
• The bite makes teeth not meet
• The bite has an irregular meeting of teeth
• Proportions of the face are affected by teeth or jaw

So what causes these irregularities anyways? This is a question many parents ask their orthodontist and there are many causes:

• Genetic predisposition to spacing or bite
• Thumb or finger sucking at a young age
• Long time use of pacifier or other baby products
• Long term mouth breathing
• Dental decay due to neglect of hygiene
• Poor nutrition during growth phases
• Accidents that affect the teeth
• Pulling out teeth when they are not ready to be removed naturally

Common Problems which are treatable in patients

The practice of orthodontics has created several techniques to correct issues with teeth. Many issues are commonplace throughout the world due to genetics or abnormal habits. These providers learn the techniques to treat these issues and if they have not encountered an issue before, it is possible to make changes with trial and error procedures. The following are some of the treatments that are most commonly dealt with in the orthodontic world:

• Crowding of teeth
• Crooked or misplaced teeth
• Missing teeth due to various issues
• Extra teeth in the mouth that need removal or manipulation
• An overbite configuration of the teeth
• An underbite configuration of the teeth
• Incorrect positioning of the jaw bone
• Jaw joint disorders
• Cosmetic improvement of the face

Most of these issues are going to be fixed with either brace work or headgear depending on the treatment plan and measures taken to manipulate the teeth. Braces come in different forms and cost ranges. Plastic or non-metal type braces can help to provide an invisible look for many patients.

The pros and cons of getting orthodontic work

Orthodontic work can provide function and beauty to a patient’s teeth. The amount of time it takes to complete orthodontic work will vary, but early treatment provides long-lasting benefits and shortened treatment lengths in the long run. Just because pros and cons exist doesn’t mean that visiting an orthodontist will make you broke. Free consultations are possible with no risk or commitment to treatment.

Some insurance companies will not cover extensive work or may only cover a percentage of the cost. If patients eat hard or abrasive foods their brackets may fall off and incur extra charges. Patients that purposely remove orthodontic attachments to their teeth may risk total removal and discontinued treatment. You can schedule a complimentary consultation with Beach Braces and get started on a beautiful smile.

Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006

What is the Right Time for an [orthodontist] Checkup?

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.