Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Dr. Sujata Bhatia
In the past it was common practice to wait until age 11 or 12, when all of the permanent teeth were in, to begin Orthodontic treatment. However the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial Orthodontic check-up by age 7. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present
Signs That Early Intervention may be needed: 
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Thumb sucking
- Protruding teeth
- Jaws that are too far forward or back
- An unbalanced facial appearance
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet, or meet in an abnormal way
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Crowded, misplaced or blocked out teeth
Early Treatment Gives the Orthodontist the Chance to:
- Guide jaw growth
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve appearance and self-esteem
- Guide the teeth into a more favorable position with the use of orthopedic devices, so extraction of permanent teeth may not be necessary
Bottom Line : Timely Preventative Orthodontics has the ability to achieve results that would not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing
Dr. Sujata Bhatia has a dual specialty in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and has an Orthodontic practice in Kihei ( Azeka Makai ) and Lahaina ( 505 Front Street ). They offer Orthodontic screening consultations at no – charge in both of her offices. Information websites regarding the benefits of early intervention:
www.KiheiOrthodonticsMaui.com,
www.LahainaOrthodonticsMaui.com,
www.braces.org
or call 808-874-9229 to schedule your appointment .
