Tilghman Orthodontics provides orthodontic care for the whole family
Tilghman Orthodontics provides orthodontic care to all ages in the Salisbury and Berlin area. Our highly educated team will work to evaluate and treat each patient with an individualized plan to suit their specific needs. While many patients see us in adolescence or even adulthood, early treatment is not only possible but highly recommended.
The AAO recommends orthodontic evaluation by age 7
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that your child be evaluated by an orthodontist no later than age 7. By that age, most children have grown their first set of adult molars, and growth development patterns can be detected and assessed, paving the way for a proper treatment plan.
What does an early evaluation look for?
Dr. Tilghman or Dr. Schwartz will examine your child’s teeth for a variety of potential issues, including:
- Overcrowding
- Jaw issues
- Problems with bite
- Misaligned Teeth
Additionally, poor habits that could lead to dental issues could be spotted and corrected early, such as thumb sucking.
The importance of early evaluation
Early orthodontic evaluation is important to get a clear picture of how your child’s teeth are developing. Even if their teeth appear straight, there are issues that only orthodontists like Dr. Tilghman and Dr. Schwartz are able to detect with their trained eyes. Often, early intervention is not necessary, with a recommendation of simply monitoring the growth and planning a later treatment. However, there are absolutely times that early treatment can prevent more extreme future problems. One reason this might be beneficial is if we recognize crowding teeth, we can intervene with spacers and expanders to give the space needed for permanent teeth to grow. The evaluation will also look for the following items:
- Problems with jaw growth
- Emerging teeth with baby teeth still present
- Bite issues
- Poor oral habits
Early treatment can prevent more serious problems from developing, thus avoiding more complicated treatment at a later time. Treatment options are more vast before the face and jaws have finished growing. Obtaining an orthodontic evaluation on your child could potentially save both time and money by nipping problems in the bud.
Give your child the best chance at a perfect smile at Tilghman Orthodontics
At Tilghman Orthodontics, we are ready to visit with you and your child. Making an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 is your best bet at ensuring your child gets the most efficient care toward their perfect smile. Contact us to make an appointment!