age 7

AGE 7 IS THE PERFECT AGE for a Phase I orthodontic treatment by an orthodontist. Phase I orthodontic treatment fixes bite problems when the mouth has 12 permanent and 12 baby teeth present.

Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Prevent Serious Problems

Early orthodontic treatment can prevent more serious teeth problems from developing. When Phase II orthodontic treatment is necessary at age 12, this treatment of all the permanent teeth will be faster and easier to complete.

At your child's orthodontic evaluation, the orthodontist will evaluate:

• Tooth eruption and permanent tooth development
• Space needed for all permanent to erupt naturally
• Bite relationship and jaw growth pattern
• Oral habits, tongue position and speech
• Teeth protrusion, overjet and overbite
• Smile and teeth straightness
• Facial profile
• Lip posture

Orthodontists are able to achieve better results with Phase I Phase II orthodontic treatment in 15% of cases. Should treatment not be needed, the orthodontist will monitor tooth eruption and growth and development until all permanent teeth are present at age 12 and let parents know if treatment is necessary and the most appropriate type and time for orthodontic treatment.

We Can Give Your Child A Beautiful, Healthy Smile

To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org or visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Find us at www.clubbraces.com for call us at (925) 757-9000.

There are good reasons for your child to have an orthodontic examination by age 7. Here's to your child's healthy smile.

THE UPPER CANINE TOOTH, cuspid tooth, or pointed "eye tooth" is the last front tooth to come into the front upper dental arch. When space runs out, this gets pushed out of position. This tooth may become impacted in bone, stuck, and not come in at all. Or, it may push its way out and over the other teeth making its way into the dental arch. It is now hypererupted. It appears as a "Snaggletooth."

Dental Arch Expansion Can Prevent A Snaggletooth

If orthodontic treatment is started early, dental arches can be expanded to prevent the creation of a snaggletooth. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists and all orthodontists recommend an orthodontic examination by age 7.

In Some Cases, Tooth Extraction Is Necessary

In adults, depending on bone, soft tissue or gums, tooth position and facial appearance, snaggletooth treatment may require tooth extraction. The snaggletooth is a very important tooth with a long root. It is usually the tooth behind it which need removal.

We Love Helping Our Patients Make The Most Of Their Smiles!

To find out how orthodontics can help you prevent snaggletooth in the first place, visit Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Please schedule your child's examination by age 7. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary exam.

See your orthodontist if you need help with a Snaggletooth. Here's to your happiness and living snaggle free.

Top image by Flickr user Mark Anderson used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

DENTAL AND SKELETAL bite problems are evident by age 7. Phase I Phase II orthodontic treatment is like doing half now, half later, assisting you with the development of your smile from age 7 to age 13 when your smile is mature.

Phase I orthodontic treatment starts around age 7 in the mixed dentition when 12 permanent teeth and 12 baby teeth are present.

Phase I Phase II Treatment May Improve Your Final Result

In 15% of cases, the overall result will be improved by Phase I orthodontic treatment. Benefits include symmetrical jaw growth, eliminating the need for tooth extraction, preventing tooth wear, or stopping harmful habits such as thumbsucking while improving speech and self-esteem.

Permanent retainers are popular after Phase I orthodontic treatment. These bonded wires prevent tooth relapse and the need for replacement of lost retainers.

Sixteen permanent teeth come in between Phase I and Phase II orthodontic treatment. The chances of one of these new teeth being crooked is high. Usualy there is a benefit in doing Phase II orthodontic treatment after Phase I treatment.

Phase I Treatment Makes Phase II Go Easier

Phase II orthodontic treatment begins when all the permanent teeth have come into place at age 12.

Phase II treatment is easier because Phase I treatment has already corrected the major orthodontic problems.

If you have questions about Phase I Phase II orthodontic treatment, visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary consultation.

Every smile is unique. Here’s to the growth and development of your beautiful smile!