Media contact:
Mollie Pillman
Executive Director
512-342-8594
[email protected]
Austin, Texas- (June 1, 2023) To celebrate Oral Health Month this June, the Texas Association of Orthodontists (TAO) is raising awareness about the importance of early orthodontic intervention for children.
“A visit to the orthodontist can be a necessary, formative, and fulfilling step in the overall health of a growing child,” says Dr. Ralph Brock, TAO board member. “This holistic approach to orthodontic treatment considers facial esthetics, gingival health, tooth alignment, jaw position, and the psychological health of the growing child.”
While a referral from the child’s dentist isn’t required to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist, the two work together in partnership to ensure the orthodontic concerns of the growing child are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
Dr. Brock also explains why the orthodontist plays a key role in the child’s overall oral health. “With advanced training and expertise in growth and development of the human body, face, and teeth, the orthodontist is best suited to evaluate the child and consult with the parents about the need and proper timing for early orthodontic intervention.”
TAO encourages all parents to make an appointment for their child as soon as they turn seven, which is when permanent teeth start to appear. During a child’s first consultation, the orthodontist will determine if intervention is necessary and if so, the best course of treatment for the child.
As part of this awareness month, TAO encourages parents to visit our online directory to find an orthodontist near them at: www.texasortho.org/listings
We encourage media to share or reprint information from our website or social media accounts:
Website: Texas Association of Orthodontists
Facebook page: @TexasAssociationofOrthodontists
Instagram: @texas.orthodontist
Videos: https://texasortho.org/videos/
A member of TAO can also be made available for quotes or interviews.
About TAO
The Texas Association of Orthodontists is a professional organization of specialists committed to maintaining the highest standards of orthodontic care for the benefit and well-being of our patients throughout the state of Texas. As an organization, we are dedicated to advocating for our members and providing services that benefit their pursuit of professional excellence.