Dr. Gaudreault, along with the American Association of Orthodontists, recommends children are first seen at age 7. This allows treatment to begin at the most beneficial time and minimizes the length of time in braces. Unless a problem requiring early intervention is found, children are placed in our complimentary observation program to monitor growth and dental development. However, current technology enables us to treat the majority of orthodontic conditions diagnosed in patients first seen at a later age, in one comprehensive treatment phase.
Along with the American Association of Orthodontists, we recommend that a child receive their first orthodontic screening by the age 7. By starting treatment early, we are able to recognize potential problems early and correct them before they become more serious. This not only saves you and your child time, but also money.
Early interceptive orthodontic treatment has proven to be beneficial for the overall desired result. Because a young child’s permanent teeth have not finished erupting, we are able to thoroughly evaluate the front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships and address any impending problems at its earliest stage.
During your child’s initial evaluation, we will first determine if there are any problems that need to be addressed, such as potential crowding, open bite, overbite or gummy smiles. It is possible that immediate treatment is not necessary at the time or even at all. However, if treatment is indicated, we will create a personalized treatment plan for your child that will prove to be the most beneficial for his/her specific case.
Early orthodontic treatment varies between patients, but may include removable or fixed appliances that can provide more room for crowded, erupting teeth; preserve space for unerupted teeth; create facial symmetry through manipulating jaw growth; reduce the possibility of tooth extraction; and reduce overall treatment time in braces.
Southeast Orthodontics Observation Program
Unless a problem requiring early intervention is found, children will be placed in our observation program and will visit us on a regular basis to monitor dental and skeletal growth and development. This observation program allows treatment to begin when appropriate, reducing the length of time in braces.