Observation and recall appointments are an integral part of your child’s orthodontic future. Waiting until there is a big problem before coming in for a consultation can drag out the orthodontic process. In these cases, it is not uncommon for our patients to need braces during major life events such as graduation. This is something we’ve learned that patients and their families aren’t too keen on.

Lucky Number Seven

Give your child the best chance to avoid those awkward grad photos by booking an orthodontic consultation long before the time they convocate high school. In fact, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommend that children have their first evaluation by seven years of age. At this age, your child’s bite will be established as well as having both adult and baby teeth. In most cases, no treatment is needed quite yet. However, through observation appointments, Dr. Cory Liss will be able to determine any impending issues.

Interceptive Orthodontics

In some cases, interceptive orthodontics will be necessary. These treatments work to guide jaw growth, intercept developing problems, address harmful oral habits, among other objectives. This could include expansion of the upper jaw, early removal of specific baby teeth, or maintaining space for permanent teeth. This is often referred to as “Phase One” treatment. Phase two occurs when all of a child’s permanent teeth are in place.

One Step at a Time

Observation and recall appointments are simple and quick. Generally, a patient can expect to get in and out within fifteen minutes. The appointment has three main objectives:

1. If applicable, check the progress of interceptive treatment.
2. Evaluate loss of baby teeth and eruption of permanent teeth. The order that teeth are lost and grow in can affect the appearance and function of the teeth later in life.
3. Counsel with the family about timing. Think of an avocado. It can take forever to ripen, but once it does you only have a short period of time to use it. Orthodontics works in much the same way. Many treatments depend on a certain moment in time where the mouth is just so in order to be the most effective. Starting treatment too early can be just as unproductive as waiting too long.

Observation and recall appointments may seem inconvenient, but listening to your orthodontist’s advice could save your child a lot of stress down the road. If your child is due for an evaluation, contact the experts at Cory Liss Orthodontics today for a consultation!