Orthodontics is a broad specialty that entails realigning the teeth to get a beautiful smile. Anyone may undergo orthodontic treatment. This may occur at any point in life. But, there are specific favorable timelines when it comes to moving teeth, and this is mainly during childhood growth spurts.
History of AAO
Founded in 1900, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is a certified union that admits dentists who have completed their orthodontic residency program. This is often received after graduating from dental school. The organization represents about 19,000 members of the orthodontist industry in the U.S. and Canada.
Roles and Responsibilities
Members of AAO are educated specialists who diagnose, help prevent, and treat facial irregularities to align teeth. In children, especially, the AAO seeks to help prospective patients comprehend the value of administering two-phase orthodontic treatment.
When Should Your Child First Visit an Orthodontist?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, most children need to have their first screening at the age of 7. The process allows doctors to determine if they required orthodontic treatment. It also enables the team to assess the best time for patients to receive treatment. Orthodontists from AAO have been trained to diagnose and identify problems early. In some cases, they may advise orthodontic treatment earlier than the recommended age.
What Parents Should Know About Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
A child may be too young to wear braces. But it’s never too early for an orthodontic evaluation. After the assessment, the orthodontist may talk about two-phase orthodontic treatment. As the name suggests, this is a procedure that is conducted in two phases.
Phase I
Phase one involves the use of different orthodontic devices and partial braces. There are three main reasons why these devices are used. To correct the existing dental problem, adjust a child’s dental development, and then prevent potential problems. The treatment is administered to children between the ages of five and ten. Patients may still be having their baby teeth while receiving permanent teeth. Consequently, this treatment is recommended when a child has some dental development issues.
Phase II
Typically, phase two starts when most of the child’s adult teeth are out. The molars should be erupting. Braces or Clear Aligners may be used at this phase. This phase of treatment often starts when the child is 11 years of age. It can also be administered throughout a person’s adult years.
Additional Benefits of Two-phase Orthodontic Treatment
Why would a child need two-phase orthodontic treatment? A child may need two-phase orthodontic treatment to correct the following dental problems:
- Underbites
- Open bites
- Skeletal crossbites
- Protruding teeth
- Sleep Apnea/Breathing Issues
- Unhealthy oral habits, which may include extended thumb-sucking. This can interfere with swallowing.
Give your child the best chance at a healthy, beautiful smile. Follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ (AAO) recommendation that all children have their first check-up with an AAO orthodontist no later than age 7. If an orthodontic problem is developing, the orthodontist will be able to monitor growth and development so that your child can have the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.
When you choose a TAO orthodontist for orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a true orthodontist. Like their medical counterparts who study their specialty areas after their general medical education, orthodontists study their specialty area, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, after completing their general dental education. Only bona fide orthodontists get to be members of the American Association of Orthodontists and Texas Association of Orthodontists (TAO).