Problems growing 7yr olds

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get
a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
HERE’S WHY:
• Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while • While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that • A check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may iden- tify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and devel-opment, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for thechild. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit fromearly treatment.
• Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases,the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once theface and jaws have finished growing.
• Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to: Guide jaw growthLower the risk of trauma to protruded front teethCorrect harmful oral habitsImprove appearanceGuide permanent teeth into a more favorable positionCreate a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face • Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.
If your child is older than 7, it’s certainly not too late for a check-up.
Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment
needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most
appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.
www.braces.org
1-800-STRAIGHT
2004 American Association of Orthodontists Malocclusions (“bad bites”) like those illustrated below, may benefit from
early diagnosis and referral to an orthodontic specialist for a full evaluation.
CROSSBITE OF FRONT TEETH
CROSSBITE OF BACK TEETH
CROWDING
Top teeth are to the inside of bottom teeth OPEN BITE
PROTRUSION
DEEP BITE
Front teeth do not meet when back teeth UNDERBITE
ORAL HABITS
The lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth In addition, if you notice any of the following in your child, check with your orthodontist:
biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth Final treatment decisions should be made among the parent, child’s dentist and orthodontist. Visit the “About Orthodontics” section of the American Association of Orthodontists Web site at www.braces.org

Source: http://www.smilezone.ca/Portals/0/Problems-to-Watch-for-in-Growing-Children.pdf