For Immediate Release
MIAMI, Florida (June 30, 2011) – The conventional wisdom is that braces and orthodontic treatment are the domain of teenagers. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that most children have an orthodontic screening by age 7, which is much younger than most parents realize. The reason for the early screening is when identified at a young age, future orthodontic problems can be reduced or even eliminated in certain patients.
The recommendation for the early screening by the AAO does not mean that it will soon become commonplace to see elementary school age children wearing braces. The purpose of the evaluation is to be proactive. According to Miami orthodontist Dr. Derek Sanders of Orthodontics Only, many of the youngest children he sees will not have orthodontic treatment started at that time. The Miami orthodontist explains that if potential problems are identified, the patient will be placed in an orthodontic supervisory program which enables them to monitor the eruptive pattern of the permanent teeth. Working closely with the child’s general dentist, it helps the orthodontist determine the optimum time to begin treatment and achieve the best possible result for the patient.
In some cases, the initial orthodontic screening may reveal the need for early treatment and both correct current orthodontic problems and prevent future ones.
Early diagnosis and treatment, when indicated, allows an orthodontic specialist to:
* Guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position
* Preserve space for permanent teeth
* Aid young patients with speech and swallowing difficulties
* Stop finger habits causing adverse jaw growth and tooth movement
* Reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruded front teeth in children with severe overbites
Typically, the focus in very young patients is taking action to guide the growth of the jaw and achieve the best position for permanent teeth as the baby teeth fall out. For some children, having orthodontic treatment before all of their permanent teeth are erupted will prevent the need for future extractions of adult teeth.
Miami orthodontist Dr. Sanders is quick to mention that early intervention is not appropriate or beneficial for all patients, and should be determined on an individual basis. He also wants parents to understand that early treatment will not necessarily eliminate the need for braces when the child is a teenager. Once all the permanent teeth have erupted, then the final course of treatment can be determined. The Miami orthodontist does point out, however, most patients who have undergone early orthodontic treatment, the time period needed for the final stage of correction once all the permanent teeth erupt is usually reduced. A few lucky ones will not even require braces at all.
Dr. Sanders recognizes the importance of adhering to the early screening guidelines established by the American Association of Orthodontists. That is why the Miami orthodontist offers free initial consultations to new patients and multi-child discounts. In addition, he is proud to extend interest-free financing, with affordable down payments and monthly payments. Patients seeking a Miami orthodontist can contact Dr. Sanders at his office for a free consultation by calling (305) 598-3384. Additional information about the services available at Orthodontics Only can be found on their website www.miamiorthodontist.com.
Contact:
Derek A. Sanders, DDS MDS
9485 SW 72nd Street, Suite A100
Miami, FL 33173
(305) 598-3384
www.miamiorthodontist.com/
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