You may look at your child & think everything looks fine and they don't need any treatment but because your eye isn't trained this may not be the case.
1.Here are some reasons you should bring your child to an Orthodontist:
Something may look off but doesn't seem to be bad. Many parents will say their children might have slight spacing, a little crowding or just an overbite but don't truly because they are not a trained professional. If you notice your child has difficulty chewing, biting, or even breathing through their mouth, then it's time to make an appointment. A lot of what's happening in the mouth goes deep under the surface where the naked eye cannot see & would only be seen by getting orthodontic X-rays taken such as a panoramic & cephalometric film. A child may have impacted teeth- and the parent just thinks their baby teeth are taking a while to fall out. But if the child does have an impacted tooth an orthodontic appliance may be needed to bring in the tooth.
2.It's best to bring your child by age 7 & not wait until their older.
By age ,7 your child can be evaluated by an orthodontist. There are enough permanent teeth erupted at this point. It is also best to catch any problems early as it will be easier to correct at a younger age since the bone is more flexible & still growing. By taking your child earlier rather than later you could be saving them from major orthodontic treatments later. Also, sometimes baby teeth need to be extracted for the permanent tooth to come in the right direction with the help of an orthodontic appliance.
3.You do not need a referral from your dentist.
Some parents don't think to take their child to the orthodontist if their dentist doesn't refer them. So, they think their children must not need braces or any treatment. The dentist does not specialize in orthodontics so they may miss something important & not suggest a consult. It is best to trust the professionals who are trained in their specialty to give you a consultation and make a recommendation for treatment or not.
Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States that is observed on the last Monday of May. It is an important day because it honors & remembers the service men & women who have died while serving in the U.S military.
Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War & became an official federal holiday in 1971. The holiday is marked by many traditions, including parades, firework displays, memorial services & the flying of the American flag at half-mast.
Observing Memorial Day is a way to pay tribute to the brave men & women who served in the arm forces & made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It is also a time to remember the families & loved ones of those who died in service to our country & to honor their ultimate sacrifices.
Memorial Day also marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season in the United States. Many people celebrate the holiday by spending time with family & friends, attending barbecues & enjoying the outdoors. Memorial Day is an important day in American history because it allows us to remember & honor those who sacrificed their lives to defend the values & freedom we enjoy.
To become an Orthodontist, who is a specialist, one must typically complete the following steps:
Obtain a bachelor's degree: you must obtain a bachelor's degree in any major before applying to dental school.
Get accepted into a dental school: you must take the dental admission test (DAT) & apply to dental schools. Dental school typically will take four additional years of classwork to complete.
Complete a residency: after graduation from dental school, a candidate must complete a two-year residency program in orthodontics or a similar specialty.
Get licensed: you must be licensed to practice orthodontics in your state of practice.
Get certified by the American board of orthodontics: to become a certified orthodontist, you must pass an exam administered by the American board of orthodontics.
Keep up with continuing education: to keep up with the latest orthodontic techniques & technology, orthodontists must complete continuing education courses each year, which Dr. Azizi & even his staff continue to do as a group.
Dr. Benjamin Azizi, Penn Dental School graduate & director of Orthodontics at Temple University for over 20 years.
Summertime can be a good time to start orthodontic treatment for several reasons:
More flexible schedule: Summertime is usually a more relaxed schedule with fewer commitments like school. This makes it easier to schedule orthodontic appointments.
Faster results: Since people tend to have more free time to attend multiple appointments during the summer, orthodontic treatment can often be completed more quickly.
Adjustment period: Starting orthodontic treatment can be uncomfortable at first as your mouth adjusts to braces or aligners. Summer is a good time to start treatment because it gives you time to get used to your new appliance before returning to school or work.
Good time for minor adjustments: Summer is a good time for minor orthodontic adjustments which can improve your smile before important events like weddings, vacations or school photos.
Protect teeth during sports: Many summer sport activities put your smile at risk for injury. Orthodontic treatment includes the use of a mouthguard or Invisalign trays. These will protect your teeth & gums during activities.
Overall, summertime can provide a good opportunity to begin orthodontic treatment in a convenient, comfortable & safe way!
