Calgary Orthodontists are often asked – when is the right time to seek an orthodontic consultation?  According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, your child should have an orthodontic evaluation by the time they are seven.  Early evaluation and diagnosis can prevent more serious and costly conditions when your child is older and allows a Calgary Orthodontist to intervene at a stage where treatment is minimal and teeth move at an alarmingly fast rate.  An early orthodontic evaluation doesn’t always mean treatment is necessary – for some lucky patients dental concerns are addressed as the child’s normal growth pattern evolves – but having an orthodontist confirm if treatment is required is always a good idea.

Orthodontists are dentists who have gone on to acquire further training and qualifications in the field of prevention and correction of irregularities to teeth – they are specialists who have received significant education in tooth movement and the body’s response.  Orthodontists are able to accurately determine a child’s growth pattern – so establishing when would be the best time to begin orthodontic treatment – or if treatment isn’t required.  Though some General Dentists offer basic orthodontic treatment – it is recommended to seek a consultation with a Certified Orthodontist in Calgary – to ensure that your child is receiving a customized consultation.

An orthodontist will be looking for bite and alignment issues during an orthodontic consultation – this includes looking for the telltale signs of an Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, Openbite, Buck Teeth, Crowding, Missing Teeth and jaw deficiencies or misalignments.  Orthodontists in Calgary and surrounding areas don’t merely straighten teeth – they make a complete and full diagnosis of the patient’s dental system so that orthodontic treatment can address skeletal, jaw, and teeth concerns.  Orthodontists also work closely with Oral Surgeons who are sometimes involved in a successful orthodontic case by extracting teeth at a crucial time and/or performing jaw surgery when required.

Calgary and Airdrie Orthodontists also look closely for other signs and symptoms that might indicate orthodontic intervention is required.  Issues like Speech Problems, Thumb Sucking, Clicking and Popping of Jaw Joints, Difficulty Eating and Chewing, and signs of Clenching and Grinding.  Sometimes orthodontic treatment is required to begin at an early age to correct problems that if left, may go on to cause significant dental and health concerns in an older child or adult.  If you are concerned with your child’s bite or position of teeth – contact a Calgary Orthodontist today – Cory Liss Orthodontics welcomes new patients – call today 403.287.0746 It’s never too early or too late to seek orthodontic care.