At Harrell Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of EARLY AIRWAY FOCUSED ORTHODONTIC/ORTHOPEDIC SCREENING usually around 5 years of age.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that for a traditional orthodontic visit should take place at 7 years of age since some children at this age begin to reveal signs of a jaw and or tooth imbalances that can lead to serious issues later in life. For a more AIRWAY FOCUSED Screening it is best to see the child around 5 years of age because more growth potential is available if intervention is needed.
Though many children will not need braces or other types of orthodontic treatment, early visits allow for identification and interception of growth and developmental complications before they become more difficult to treat. Early intervention often allows our team to achieve more effective results than would be possible at a later age when the jaw and face are more permanently developed.
Early phase treatment refers to situations where early diagnostics are used to correct severe dental or orthopedic problems. This creates more favorable conditions for the jaws and for the eruption of permanent teeth as children grow and mature through childhood into their early teens. If additional treatments are necessary, they become less complex, shorter in duration and ultimately more stable long-term.
Don’t put off your child’s first orthodontic appointment. Early orthodontic care has been proven to reduce the risk of future oral complications, improve the child’s AIRWAY, improve the visual aesthetics of a child’s smile, and provide the opportunity for guided jaw growth and development. At Harrell Orthodontics, we prefer to treat our patients as conservatively as possible. A minor intervention now could prevent or lessen the need for other more extensive treatments in the future and improve the overall quality of your child’s life.
For more information about early treatment or to schedule your child’s first check-up, contact our office today for a consultation at (256) 234-6353
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After AAO age 7 is usually for an orthodontic evaluation ONLY, but for Airway, snoring and Sleep Disorders it is recommended by the American Academy of Physiologic Medicine & Dentistry (AAPMD) to see a child before age 5. YES, BEFORE age 5 because airway, snoring and sleep issues begin early in life and may lead to serious problems later in life. If caught early these problems may be prevented.
Early growth guidance, while the child is still growing, is the best time for expansion and developing the facial structure of the child.
Think about this: When do doctors treat a child with “Clubbed Feet”? …….. at 1 week or a few months at the latest. WHY? Because by putting “feet braces and casts” at a very young age they can redirect the growth and create “normal” feet. When the child begins to walk their feet and legs are normal and they can walk and run normally. If they waited later then it would be impossible to normalize growth without surgery.
Dr. Harrell’s Philosophy is to treat early to normalize grow, address airway and TMJ issues early and hopefully NOT HAVE TO EXTRACT TEEETH to correct orthodontic issues when all the permanent teeth erupt (usually around 12-14 years of age). This will usually make the Phase II (Brace Phase) much easier and less time consuming. Developing the dental and skeletal structures early allow for more room for the teeth, a larger airway and healthier TM Joints and better breathing/sleeping.
PICTURES OF EARLY TX APPLIANCES
1. RPE
2. E ARCH
3. FUNCTIONAL APPLIANCES
a. HS
b. MyoBrace
c. Myo Munchie
d. Others
4. MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
5. OTHER
