What is the Appropriate Age for a First Ortho Consult?
When it comes to choosing the appropriate time for a child’s first ortho consult, many orthodontists now recommend as early as seven years of age. With the upper molars typically either erupted or on their way by then, there is already a good indication of where the molar occlusion will be, and the orthodontist has a good baseline to monitor growth. In addition to this, early consultation is a prime opportunity for orthodontists to build positive experiences and relationships with pediatric patients who are often more cooperative than teenagers.
In this in-depth discussion, Dr. Trista Felty, an orthodontist from Abbotsford BC, talks to Dr. John O’Keefe, Director of Knowledge Networks CDA, about what to look for in children aged seven. Dr. Felty walks through the key presentations that indicate early intervention, including anterior and posterior crossbites, ectopic eruption and diastema. She also explains how to screen permanent canines in a pediatric patient and explains why nine years of age is the best time to do so.
We hope you find the conversation useful. We welcome your thoughts, questions and/or suggestions about this post and other topics. Leave a comment in the box below or send us your feedback by email.
Until next time!
CDA Oasis Team
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