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The Specialist Speaks! Get to know our "dental specialists" (Dentists that we refer our patients to) as they discuss various topics of interest. Meet Dr. James Young - he is an orthodontist who has practiced in La Mirada for many years..."Common Orthodontic Questions" by Dr. James Young After practicing in the field of Orthodontics for 17 years, there are several questions that I frequently encounter from concerned parents. The questions and answers are as follows:1. When is the right age to bring my child to the orthodontist? Answer: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the proper age for a child’s first visit to an orthodontist is age seven, or earlier if a problem is noted by the parents, the family dentist or physician. 2. Do I have to wait for all the permanent teeth to erupt before orthodontic treatment can start? Answer: No. Most orthodontists do not wait for all permanent teeth to erupt before starting treatment. In fact, most cases are started during the mixed dentition stage. This is the stage when you have the presence of both the primary (baby) and permanent teeth. 3. Why does my child need extractions, while my neighbor’s child did not. Answer: Remember, that each child is different. Generally, teeth are removed because there is inadequate room for all the teeth; and the upper and lower teeth do not articulate (or bite) properly. Sometimes, however, the needed room can be obtained in other ways. 4. Why do I need braces for my upper teeth, which are straight, while I am only concerned about the crowded lower teeth? Answer: Most orthodontic treatment involves full braces on both upper and lower teeth. In orthodontic treatment, we are not only concerned about aligning the teeth, but also providing the right articulation (or "bite") between the upper and lower teeth so that the patient can chew properly. The teeth mesh together like the gears in your cars transmission. If you move teeth without adjusting the teeth they bite against, it’s like shifting your car into reverse while you are moving forward! Thanks for your attention. ... Dr. Young. |
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