You often get one chance to get it right!

When it comes to raising our children, we want to get it right.  

We start reading to them  before they are even born.  We get the latest immunizations to prevent future illnesses.  We introduce them to foods one at a time so that we know they have no allergies.  We schedule play dates so that they learn how to get along with other children.  We try to prepare them for their first day of school by teaching them their colors and letters.  We sign them up for camps to give them every advantage when it comes to sports, band, theater etc.

When it comes to their smile - we want to get it right.  At an early age, we teach them how to brush and floss their teeth.  We bring them to the general dentist to make sure their teeth are clean and coming in correctly.  When the dentist says it is time to see an orthodontist, we ask around to find out which orthodontist in the area will do a great job. 

Listen as this mom talks about getting it right:

The results of your child's orthodontic treatment will be with them for the rest of their lives.  Their smile is a big part of who your child is and how they feel about themselves.  Make sure to get it right. 

By:  Dawn Rosendall

Early Treatment is better for many children

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7.  Not all children need early treatment, or two phase treatment and it is only recommended when beneficial to the patient. 

Those children who have clear indications for early treatment present the opportunity to: 

• Improve aesthetics and self-esteem at an earlier age
• Influence jaw growth and tooth eruption in a positive manner
• Lower the risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors
• Correct harmful oral habits
• Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics providing the best, most stable results
• Improve some speech problems

Of course, many children who need braces are older than age 7 and we excel at developing the best treatment plan to give them optimal results in minimal time.  As part of Dr. Majznerski's additional training at Mayo, he focused on complex treatments and creating the best aesthetic results to enhance the facial structure and provide the foundation for a lifetime of stable, strong beautiful teeth.

When is the Best Time to Begin Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can be started on certain types of tooth problems before all permanent teeth have erupted.

The advantages of early treatment include:

1.  Enhance self-esteem - "Straight teeth" at an earlier age
2.  Allowing for treatment at an age where cooperation is
     more predictable = better results, which may not be
     attainable with later intervention
3.  More stable, long-term results due to earlier correction of
     skeletal imbalances
4.  Reduce permanent tooth extractions
5.  Reduce treatment time in full braces (eliminates teenagers
     needing braces for 2+ years)
6.  Reduce or eliminate decalcification and root resorption
7.  Reduce need for jaw surgery
8.  Prevent fractures (incisors)

*The American Association of Orthodontics recommends initial evaluation at 7 years of age or at the initial stages of permanent incisor eruption. 

Click here for more information regarding early orthodontic treatment.