Innovative Orthodontics

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Exams & Check-Ups

Our expert orthodontic team knows each patient is an individual and has his or her own personal needs. Therefore, we actively work to accommodate patients of all ages - both young and old. Our exams reflect this as they are designed around you and your treatment.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. Why age 7? By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws, which in turn can provide a wealth of information. AAO orthodontists are trained to spot subtle problems even in young children.

There are generally three outcomes of an initial check-up:

• No treatment is expected to be necessary.
• Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow.
• There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.

While there are many orthodontic problems that orthodontists agree are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in a patient’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated.