Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, Dr. Yousefian can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Advantages of interceptive treatment include:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
Orthodontics is for Children and Adolescents
Although, Dr. Yousefian's extended training and experience enables him to provide orthodontic care to patients of all ages, children and adolescents can obtain treatment at the optimum age, allowing ideal results in a shorter amount of time.
We treat a great number of patients in the children and adolescent categories. We are able to provide those patients with the latest techniques in self-ligating high-speed braces, complemented with advanced orthopedic appliances which are designed to correct abnormalities of growth and relationship of the jaws. Through these methods, the patients eliminate the need for future extractions, and in most cases, avoid possible need for surgical correction of the jaws.
Our philosophy in treating patients at an early age enables us to successfully manage the space in the mouth to promote the proper eruption of permanent teeth. Early correction encourages the development of sufficient skeletal growth to provide healthy, functional jaws and an airway while the patient is young, thus preventing future problems like TMJ, snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.