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Ortho Screening

We offer ortho screenings to look for a variety of tooth and jaw issues that can be solved through orthodontic treatment.

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(425) 202-4866

Ortho Screenings

A variety of tooth and jaw issues can be resolved through orthodontic treatments. We may point out that your child's baby teeth appear crowded, or the relationship between their upper and lower teeth isn't ideal. While it may not be time for treatment for younger children, it may help you prepare you to know the possibility of corrective care in the future. As permanent teeth start to appear, usually around age 6, our team monitors the process further and helps you decide if early orthodontic treatment makes sense.

Many people do not get braces until their teens, but braces may be necessary for some kids earlier in childhood. Since permanent teeth are typically larger than baby teeth, space may need to be opened with the gentle force of braces or a device called a palatal expander. This allows adult teeth to move into place correctly, helping avoid more extensive treatment later.

A narrow jaw or a large overbite may create a similar dilemma. Gently guiding your child’s jaw growth while they are developing can make a tremendous difference in the long run. Once the growth stops during teen years, the only corrective measure often involves surgery, which is always best to prevent if possible.

The Usual Track

Many kids benefit from orthodontics after their baby teeth have fallen out and their permanent teeth have completely moved in. Most people start their orthodontic treatment in the early teen years. After their treatment, they can expect not only a perfectly aligned smile but also optional function for a lifetime. The length of time spent wired-up can vary, but the average treatment time often falls around two years.

Orthodontic treatment can solve almost every possible bite issue, but success relies on good patient compliance. Wearing elastic bands consistently, keeping follow-up appointments for adjustments, and practicing outstanding home care can lead to a positive outcome. This commitment involves frequent preventive visits with your hygienist as well, a strategy that helps avoid permanent staining from weakened enamel and cavities around brackets. Your child’s teeth will stay straight when the braces come off as long as they are committed to wearing their retainers daily. We specialize in helping our orthodontic patients enjoy a successful outcome: a gorgeous, healthy smile.

Anatomy of an Ortho Screening.

Examination.

As permanent teeth start to appear, usually around age 6, we monitor the process further and help you decide if early orthodontic treatment is a good option. Many children and teens benefit from orthodontics after the baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth have moved into place.

Imaging.

We may use an x-ray to give us a better image of your child’s teeth and jaw to find the best orthodontic treatment for them. We can check on the growth of your child’s jaw to watch for any potential issues that can be gradually corrected early on to avoid surgery in the teen years. In your child’s teens, we can look to see if we can do treatment for better alignment of teeth via braces or clear aligners.

Planning.

After examination and screening, we can come up with a plan to guide your child’s orthodontic treatment. We can make plans to gradually correct your child’s jaw as it grows while they are losing their baby teeth, or make plans with your teen to commit to orthodontic alignment using braces or clear aligners. The length of time spent for ortho alignment varies, but average treatment time is around two years.