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Early Orthodontics

We join the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the American Dental Association (ADA) in recommending that most children should have an orthodontic screening by age 7.

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At what age should a child first visit the orthodontist?

We join the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the American Dental Association (ADA) in recommending that most children should have an orthodontic screening by age 7. This allows Dr. Chadwell to determine if orthodontic treatment will be required and the best time for the patient to be treated. While early treatment may not be recommended, except in cases of addressing medical needs, stopping oral habits and correcting jaw discrepancies, we prefer to begin monitoring your child’s dental growth and development early in life.

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Why are children being evaluated at such an early age?

Early diagnosis and treatment can guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position, preserve space for permanent teeth, and reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruded front teeth.

In our practice, we pay particular attention to oral habits such as mouth breathing, thumb and finger habits and tongue position. If early treatment is indicated, Dr. Chadwell can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment after all the permanent teeth erupt.

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Does early treatment benefit all children?

Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. The doctors develop a plan for treatment based on each individual child’s needs. If the doctor decides the patient is not ready for treatment, they are placed on our orthodontic supervisory program.

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What is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?

The orthodontic observation program is for patients who are not yet ready for treatment and have been placed on observation. This program enables us to monitor the eruptive pattern of the permanent teeth. Sometimes, poor erupted patterns of permanent teeth may be eliminated with early removal of baby teeth and thereby reduce the treatment time required for braces. We will notify your general dentist of any recommendations made during your visit. We normally see observation patients every 6-9 months to monitor their growth and development. There is no fee for this program and it helps the Dr. Chadwell determine the optimum time to begin treatment and achieve the best possible result for your child.

Braces

Tooth Care

Observation 6 – 9 Months

Observation Program

Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent more severe problems from developing, and simplify future treatment. Because all of the permanent teeth have not yet erupted when early treatment is performed, their final alignment may not have been corrected. Typically, a shortened comprehensive phase of treatment (Phase II – full braces) in the teen years, after all the permanent teeth have erupted, completes the correction. However, in some circumstances, further orthodontic treatment may not be indicated.

Patients with braces and other orthodontic appliances require more effort to keep their teeth and gums clean. Because we want to ensure the highest level of dental health, we recommend you see your family dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings every 6 months during treatment.

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We’d love to get to know you! Contact our Duncan, SC office today so you can learn about which treatment option will work best for you and EXPERIENCE what everyone else is talking about! We look forward to meeting you soon!