Early Screening

RECOMMENDATION FOR EARLY ORTHODONTIC SCREENING

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7.

Why screen by age 7?

	The posterior occlusion is established when the first molars erupt. At that time, one can evaluate the antero-posterior and transverse relationships of the occlusion, as well as discover any functional shifts.
	Incisors have begun to erupt and problems can be detected such as crowding, habits, deep bites, open bites and some facial asymmetries.
	For some, a timely screening will lead to significant treatment benefits; for most, the principal immediate benefit is a parent's peace of mind.
	The dentist who makes timely referrals is rightly regarded as informed, caring and concerned for the total well being of the patient.

The benefits of early treatment

For those patients who have clear indications for early intervention, early treatment presents the opportunity to:

	influence jaw growth in a positive manner
	harmonize width of the dental arches
	improve eruption patterns
	lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors
	correct harmful oral habits
	improve aesthetics and self-esteem
	simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
	reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
	improve some speech problems
	preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth

Early orthodontic screening can lead to simple, more effective treatment for dental patients or, at the least, greater peace of mind.