For Children
Dr. Nakamura and the American Association of Orthodontist recommend that by age 7 children be evaluated for the need of possible orthodontic treatment. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. This visit will provide parents with information regarding their child’s skeletal growth pattern, dental development, as well as to advise parents on ideal treatment timing. In most cases Dr. Nakamura wills simply monitor the patient at a 6 to 12 month interval until the patient is either ready for treatment or it is determined that treatment is not necessary.
Benefits of Early Treatment:
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
- Gain space for permanent teeth
- Reduce the need for permanent teeth extractions
- Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Correct thumb sucking and regulate abnormal swallowing problems
- Simplify and shorten later treatment
- Improve the child’s self-image during formative years