Starting young
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends an initial evaluation by an orthodontist by the age of seven to assess whether orthodontic treatment will be necessary. Why seven? That’s the age most children will have developed their permanent molars and incisors. Once these teeth have grown in, Drs. Roehm and Stigall can address issues such as cross bites and crowding.
When orthodontic treatment starts early, an orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment has many benefits:
- Regulates the width of the upper and lower dental arches
- Gains space for permanent teeth
- Maintain space for the erupting permanent teeth
- Reduces the need for permanent tooth extractions
- Reduces the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Corrects thumb-sucking
- Eliminates abnormal swallowing or speech problems
Overall, early treatment can truly simplify treatment later on. As with many challenges in life, the sooner you address them, the less problematic they actually are.
Comprehensive Adolescent Treatment
While Dr. Roehm and Dr. Stigall prefer to have an initial evaluation by age 7, most of our orthodontic patients begin comprehensive treatment after the eruption of all the permanent teeth. Treatment at this time allows for the correction of the alignment and the occlusion (bite). Typical treatment times range from 18 months to 30 months for the majority of patients.
An immeasurable gift
Giving your children great, healthy smiles can bring many physical benefits as well as social benefits to their lives. Physically, your children should be able to chew, swallow or speak better when their teeth are aligned properly. Moreover, straighter teeth will be easier to clean. This will promote dental hygiene and a healthier mouth. Socially, a beautiful smile can reap many rewards. Your children will be able to smile confidently at challenges life puts their way.
Reach out to Midwest Orthodontic Associates today.
Allow Dr. Roehm and Dr. Stigall at Midwest Orthodontic Associates to start your child on a path to a beautiful, healthy smile today. Whether you’re in Peoria, Dunlap, East Peoria, Metamora or Washington, contact us online today about your orthodontic treatment or call us at 309-691-9665.