» Seventh Birthday Approaching? Time For a Visit to the Orthodontist!

Seventh Birthday Approaching? Time For a Visit to the Orthodontist!

By admin 09/09/2020
Many parents associate braces and orthodontics with their teen years but you may be surprised to learn that the best time for your little one to have their first orthodontic visit is around their 7th birthday. We know, we know – they’re still running around the jungle gym and definitely not exhibiting any tween behavior (at least we hope not for your sake!). That said, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends children be seen by an orthodontist at age seven and we at Eckels Orthodontics absolutely agree.

Why by age seven?

By age 7, your child’s mouth has matured enough for a trained orthodontic eye to spot current and future issues. We can then make corrections that will help guide their jaw and teeth into a healthier place for an easier straight smile later on.

There are many benefits to starting orthodontic treatment as a child; these include shorter treatment time, fewer impacted permanent teeth and reduced chance of needing to remove teeth. That’s because with early orthodontics we can:
- Guide teeth into desired positions early
- Guide jaw growth
- Minimize crowding/creating room for erupting teeth
- Correct the results of oral habits like thumb and finger sucking
Another big benefit is that, as trained oral health professionals and as the only practice in the area to use an iCat 3D scanner, we are able to spot airway obstruction during a complimentary consultation. We do these for every potential patient that walks into our practice – no extra charge! This scan can be key to helping uncover Sleep Apnea, a condition that can be easily treated but if left unchecked could lead to serious health issues down the road: high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, and obesity, to name a few. Additionally, obstructive sleep apnea can also affect school work and overall alertness.

At Eckels Orthodontics, we think of early orthodontics as a two phase solution.
- Phase 1 works with your young child to make space for his or her permanent teeth.
- Phase 2 begins once those teeth have arrived.
If you recommend early orthodontics for my child, does that mean they won’t need braces as a teen?

Early treatment (phase 1) can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent additional problems from developing, and simplify future treatment, but oftentimes, additional treatment is still necessary. That said, children who have undergone early orthodontic treatment typically wear braces or Invisalign for a shorter period of time in the teen years than those who have not undergone early intervention. This makes life easier for both them, and you, as both of your schedules get busier and busier.

If I bring my child to you at age 7 are you definitely going to recommend early orthodontics?

Nope! Every child is different and we customize every treatment plan to the individual. Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all permanent teeth have come in; some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or complete. Dr. Scott Eckels and Dr. Golnaz Kavand develop a customized treatment plan based on each individual child’s needs.

In order to create a custom treatment plan for your child, we need to see you! Click below to schedule a complimentary consultation with us – in person or virtually. We can’t wait to meet you and your seven year old! No pressure. Just answers!

At Eckels Orthodontics we strive to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment but also ensure Incredible customer service and make you feel like you’re at home while you’re visiting us. We’re the friendliest, most fun orthodontic office around AND we’re the only office in the area to have the distinction of being an Invisalign Diamond Provider – that means we’ve treated thousands of cases and have the experience to treat even the toughest orthodontic issues with Invisalign. You can’t go wrong with Dr. Scott Eckels and Dr. Golnaz Kavand.

2010 Garfield Ave., Suite 1

Parkersburg, WV 26101

401 Colegate Dr.

Marietta, OH 45750

314 Claylick Rd

Ripley, WV 25271
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- 2010 Garfield Ave., Suite 1
- Parkersburg, WV 26101
- P | (304) 699-0720
- 401 Colegate Dr.
- Marietta, OH 45750
- P | (740) 538-0446
- 314 Claylick Road
- Ripley, WV 25271
- P | (304) 916-7708

Seventh Birthday Approaching? Time For a Visit to the Orthodontist!

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