Larchmont NV – No matter what your age is, orthodontics can improve your smile. But, beginning your treatment at the most favorable time produces the best results and the shortest treatment period, notes Dr. David Alpan, a Larchmont invisalign teen provider.
The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children need their first orthodontic exam by age 7 – or earlier if any orthodontic issues are noticed.
Age seven is when the adult molars begin erupting and forming the back bite. At the initial visit, the doctor will scrutinize a child’s front-to-back and side-to-side bites. Erupting incisors, for instance, can suggest a potential overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles.
“Having an early examination allows for timely discovery of possible trouble and increases the odds of effective treatment,” explains Larchmont orthodontist Dr. Alpan. “If you can intervene at the perfect moment, you can steer tooth growth and steer clear of serious trouble later on.”
“Aesthetics aren’t the only reason for braces,” observes Dr. Alpan, a Larchmont orthodontics provider. Bad bites influence how you smile, chew, brush and feel about yourself. Correcting a poor bite is a critical piece of preserving your future oral health.
“Sometimes young children aren’t ready for orthodontics,” says Dr. Alpan, who offers braces for children. “In that case we will watch the child’s growth closely with periodic exams. That way we can pinpoint the optimal time for treatment.”