benefits of early treatment, Bonita ortho, Kriger orthodontics, Dr. Maryann Kriger, Orthodontist, dentist for children and adults, offering clear braces, invisalign, non-extraction therapy in SW florida including Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, San Carlos, Lehigh, Cape Coral

BENEFITS OF EARLY TREATMENT

THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTISTS RECOMMENDS AN ORTHODONTIC SCREENING BY AGE 7 (www.braces.org)

Why screen by age 7?

1)First molars erupt at age 6, so at this time the orthodontist can access the bite and width of jaws.

2)Orthodontist can identify if oral habits (thumb-sucking, nail biting, tongue thrust) are starting to effect the bite and the way teeth come together.

3)Incisors have begun to erupt and problems can be detected such as crowding, habits, deep bites, open bites and some facial asymmetries.

This timely screening can lead to significant treatment benefits and peace of mind. The dentist who makes timely referrals is rightly regarded as informed, caring and concerned for the total well being of the patient.

Top 10 benefits of early treatment:

1) Influence jaw growth in a positive manner.

2) Harmonize width of the dental arches.

3) Improve eruption patterns.

4) Lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors.

5) Correct harmful oral habits.

6) Improve aesthetics and self-esteem.

7) Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics.

8) Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth.

9) Improve some speech problems.

10) Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth.

Top 10 signs or habits that may indicate the need for an orthodontic examination:

1) Early or late loss of baby teeth

2) Difficulty in chewing or biting

3) Mouth breathing

4) Thumb sucking

5) Finger sucking

6) Crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth

7) Jaws that shift or make sounds

8) Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth

9) Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all

10) Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face

If any of these problems are noted by parents, regardless of age, it is advisable to consult an orthodontist. It is not necessary to wait until age 7 for an orthodontic check-up.

INTERCEPTIVE APPLIANCES

PALATAL EXPANDER

The expander is one of the most commonly used appliance besides conventional braces. In a growing child It helps us accomplish numerous tasks:

Correct the width of a narrow upper jaw

Create room for adult teeth to erupt

May eliminate need for extraction

Widens out smile

May create room for impacted canines

It may look scary, but it is really easy to make and wear. Each expander is custom made and children get used to it in several days. If your child requires this appliance ask us about our informative video to demonstrate how this appliance works. It is a great appliance, but it most effective when a child is growing! Dont delay call us for a consult.

It’s not always easy for parents to tell if their child has an orthodontic problem.

Please DO NOT wait! Contact us if you have any questions and/or would like to discuss how we can assist your needs.

Phone: (239)947-1235

Email: info@BonitaOrtho.com

27970 Crown Lake Blvd, Suite 2,

Bonita Springs, Florida 34135

~ ~ ~ EARLY TREAMENT ~ ~ ~