Is this question one that you’ve ever wondered about? Orthodontic treatment timing can sometimes be confusing. There are so many people voicing opinions about why their child needs braces now and why others say they’ve been told to wait until their kids are older. Some are waiting for their dentist to tell them when it’s time to start looking into orthodontic treatment. These opinions are all well-meaning, but how do you know if they really pertain to your kids? I know you want the best for them but what is best?

I’ve recently written about the importance of kids having their first orthodontic exam around the age of 7 years old, whether their dentist refers them or not. This is a great starting point and is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists too. Some kids do need early treatment during these younger years to intercept problems that could become more severe if not treated early. Sometimes this is referred to as “Phase I” treatment. But what about those kids who have their 7-year-old exam but don’t have any problems that require braces yet?

Yet another great question. At Coleman Orthodontics, we have a free, valuable and fun program called the “CSI Kid’s Club”. For these kids not yet ready for orthodontic treatment, this program enables us to keep a close eye on them with follow-up appointments every six months in the office to evaluate their growth and development, watch for unexpected problems that may arise, and decide the right time to start braces. It takes all the worries and concerns out of your hands. Who wouldn’t like to worry less about their kids’ health? Just be sure to keep those appointments and we’ll take care of the rest. And remember, these regular follow-ups are free of charge.

I’ll wrap this post up by answering the final question; “When is the best time for kids to get braces?” If your child had their first consultation around age 7, was not ready for treatment, and became a member of the Kid’s Club, you can expect that girls will be ready to start their braces on average between the ages of 11-13, and for boys, between the ages of 12-15. There are always exceptions to that estimate, but this is what we typically see.

Hopefully, that clears up any confusion you might have related to these questions. Keep in mind that you don’t need a referral from your dentist for you or your child to be seen in our office for a free consultation. Give us a call any time if you have questions – we’re always more than happy to help!

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Coleman

The post When Is the Best Time for Kids To Get Braces? first appeared on Coleman Orthodontics.

• Crowding of the upper front permanent teeth
• A “shift” of the lower jaw sideways (which is the only way the child can bite and chew food)
• Crooked lower jaw growth
• Abnormal tooth wear
• Breathing and airway problems

This is an 8-year-old that we treated recently. Notice how her upper jaw is shaped narrower than her lower jaw. Even though her upper front teeth have spaces between them, a closer look shows that there isn’t enough room for her side teeth, the lateral incisors to grow in. When she is biting her teeth together you can see that her upper and lower midlines don’t line up with each other and she has a crossbite on one side in the back.

She was treated with an upper expander retainer to widen her upper jaw which helped with the crossbite correction. We also used upper and lower limited braces to align the crowded front teeth.

Here’s her results showing a much wider upper jaw, straight upper teeth and lower front teeth, a better bite in the back on both sides and a great big confident smile!

Keep in mind that kids who need early treatment will almost always need a final phase of treatment when they are older to align all the other permanent teeth that haven’t grown in yet. But she now has the benefit of more room for those permanent teeth to fit and most importantly, normal jaw growth growing forward because of the crossbite and growth correction that was completed.

Remember that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all kids 7 and older have an orthodontic consultation. You don’t need a referral from a dentist for that appointment. Feel free to call us at 801-614-9090 to schedule! And don’t forget to…

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Coleman

The post See How We Corrected This Crossbite In an 8-Year-Old Patient at Coleman Orthodontics! first appeared on Coleman Orthodontics.