When should I see an orthodontist?

When problems occur, or no later than age seven. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven.

Do I need a referral or recommendation from my general dentist?

Regular dental checkups are critical because they provide an opportunity for a dental professional to spot small problems before they become big ones. During a routine examination, your dentist may be able to determine if the child's jaws are growing properly or at the same rate. Nevertheless, we frequently discover that parents feel they do not need to have younger children examined by us unless their general dentist or children's dentist makes a referral. Oftentimes, general dentists do not recognize the same problems that we do. The specialty of orthodontics is complex and specialized. If your child has any of the following symptoms, a more detailed orthodontic examination may be called for:

• Abnormal bite relationship (teeth that do not match up well when biting).
• Baby teeth lost too early or too late.
• Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth.
• Breathing through the mouth excessively (rather than through the nose).
• Disproportionate teeth or jaws.
• Problems when biting down or chewing food.
• Teeth that are crowded, missing or in the incorrect location.

Why does the ADA recommend age seven as the best time for an orthodontic evaluation?

By age seven, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time Dr. Gau can evaluate both the front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. Some orthodontic problems are easier to treat at an earlier age when the face and jaw are still growing. Early orthodontic screening will give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile for life.

What are the advantages of early orthodontic evaluation?

Early evaluations provide the opportunity for early detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. The examination may reveal that your child's bite is fine. Similarly, a potential problem may be identified and monitored as the child grows and develops. If this is not the time to begin treatment, we will suggest annual observation visits until the proper dental development occurs and the time to begin treatment is ideal. We strive to combine orthodontic treatment into a single-phase treatment, but only when it's in the patient's best interest to do so. Dr. Gau provides comprehensive exams, second opinions and annual observation visits at no charge.

What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?

• Avoiding impacted teeth.
• Preserving or creating space for newly erupting or future erupting teeth.
• Influencing jaw growth to promote facial symmetry.
• Erupting teeth and jaws can be gently guided into their correct positions, preventing later problems.
• Reducing the need for tooth removal.
• Avoiding soft tissue or palate injuries from protruding teeth.
• Protruding teeth themselves are more susceptible to accidental chipping and other trauma.
• Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which could contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
• Bad habits such as thumb or finger sucking can be corrected.
• Potentially reducing time with braces.
• Potentially preventing the need for more costly and lengthy orthodontic treatments later in life.

About early extractions

There are reasonable instances and good cause for extracting teeth early in a child. Common justifications for an early tooth extraction include creating space for other incoming teeth to avoid crowding and possible impacted teeth later on.

As your child grows

Orthodontists employ a wide variety of "growth modification" techniques to help nature correct problems. Orthodontic treatment during your child's development will reap substantial dividends in adult life, include the avoidance of possible surgery, improved oral health and improved self-esteem.