Let’s address a common question parents in Durham and Oxford NC have when considering orthodontics for their children. “When is the best time to have my child evaluated by an orthodontist?” Before you begin researching…orthodontist Dr. Michael Wilson would like to answer that question for you.
Orthodontics is about realigning your teeth into a beautiful smile, aka… moving your teeth from where they are, to where you want them to be. Anyone can undergo orthodontic treatment at any point in their lives. However, there are certain timelines that are more advantageous than others when moving teeth, especially during juvenile and adolescent growth spurts (age 8 – 12 yrs).
As an example, think about a car without power steering. Can you turn the wheel when the car isn’t moving? Yes, but it requires much more effort than when the car is moving. During growth, teeth and jaw growth are developing. It’s much easier for an orthodontist to guide natural jaw growth into a perfect smile or make room for teeth as they develop.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child be examined by an orthodontist at age 7 to determine if early orthodontic treatment is needed. To become an orthodontic specialist, it requires an additional 3 years of training beyond a general dental degree in the study of tooth movement and jaw growth. It’s important to have a licensed orthodontist analyze the “forecasting clues” when evaluating a patient of any age.
It is not necessary to be referred by your general dentist for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation at Wilson Orthodontics. Be proactive and contact our office to schedule a complimentary smile exam. If your child is not a candidate for early treatment, we will continue to monitor your child’s dental and jaw growth development in our complimentary supervisory program to determine the right time to intervene and begin treatment at the proper time.
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our practice would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.