DOWN
EARLY
A parent's guide to detecting bite problems
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Orthodontist's Office |
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BITE
DOWN EARLY A parent's guide to detecting bite problems |
The California Association
of Orthodontists have kindly given permission
to use this page from their "Bite
Down Early Pamphlet".
SAY "AH"
Just as your child's first trip to the family dentist should occur at age two, the first visit to the orthodontist should take place no later than age seven. An early exam assures maximum dental health for your child. It's inexpensive and as easy as saying, "ah".
"Bite Down Early" is a program that allows you to evaluate your child's teeth alignment and make a preliminary assessment of potential problems.
Early orthodontic treatment can help minimize the need for more extensive treatment at a later date, such as extraction of permanent teeth. Early treatment may also help your child's self-esteem - a fragile asset that's so important in growing up.
SIX warning signs in 7-year-olds
An orthodontist answers the following questions when making first evaluation.
These answers are based on visual observation of the mouth and teeth. When
you know what to look for, you can answer these questions, too.
| 1. Do the upper teeth protrude?
Excessive protrusion of the upper front teeth - "buck teeth" - is by far the most common orthodontic problem |
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| 2. Is there a
deep bite?
The upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much. |
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| 3. Is there an
underbite?
The upper teeth fit inside the arch of the lower teeth. |
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| 4. Is there an
open bite?
The child can stick his of her tongue between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together |
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| 5. How is spacing
between the teeth?
Crowded or overlapped teeth... |
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| ..or noticeably large gaps between teeth. |  |
| 6. Do the midlines
line up?
The spaces between the two upper front teeth and the two lower front teeth should line up with each other and both should line up with the bridge of the nose. When they do not, the probable cause is drifted teeth or a shifted lower jaw, resulting in the improper bite. |
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When to seek earlier treatment
Detach the ruler at the perforation. Have your child bite down normally,
keeping lips open. With printed side up, place measurement end of orthodontic
ruler against the lower front teeth with the upper teeth touching the ruler.
Note where upper front teeth touch the ruler. It the bite is within the
red zone, there is probably excessive protrusion and your child should
be examined by an orthodontist or your family dentist.
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| This "Bite Down Early" ruler is intended only as a preliminary indicator of some potential bite problems in seven-year-old children. It is not a substitute for consultation with on orthodontist. Use only under adult supervision |
The first visit
Modern-day Orthodontics
| They used to be called "tin grins", "railroad tracks" or worse by adolescent patients who required them for three to five years. Today, technological advances have made braces more comfortable and reduced the time necessary to complete treatment. These advances, along with flexible payment plans, have made orthodontics available to everyone. A routine visit to the orthodontist is a visit to a warm and secure environment. From the receptionist to the assistant to the orthodontic specialist, professionalism is couched in understanding and caring for the younger individual. An added plus: today's children don't need to be urged into treatment. They are curious and usually welcome braces. They - and their peers - know the eventual positive outcomes and they're proud of the tangible sign of love and concern you've shown in giving them the opportunity to join this special club. |
Orthodontics are dental specialists in correcting bite and jaw problems in children and adults. The American Association of Orthodontics has more than 8,000 members, all of whom have achieved specialist status through two years of training at an institution approved by the American Dental Association. |
Note to Parents: Produced by: |
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