07/12/2012

Monica Madan, DDS, and Erin Cohen, DDS

Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile – it creates a healthier you.

There is actually an optimal time period to begin treatment. At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we evaluate the whole picture – age, growth and the first sign of orthodontic problems. Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal. 

For instance, Ava, age 8 would come into the office with her older sister who had braces. We told Ava’s mom that she didn’t need braces yet, but we took an x-ray and monitored her growth because her teeth were quite buck. Six months later, Ava came back to the office after having a swimming accident where she bit her lip so hard it caused temporary damage. We re-examined Ava, noting that her teeth had shifted a few more inches forward. Ava got braces when she was in the second grade. As an active and athletic child, she now has straight teeth. 

You maybe thinking that 7 or 8 seems too young to start braces. However, between the ages of 6 and 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile. 

Advantages to being proactive: 

• Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth

• Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth

• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth

• Preserving space for unerupted teeth

• Reducing the need for tooth removal

• Reducing treatment time with braces

Things we are evaluating by age 7 as per the recommendation of the American Association Of Orthodontists:

• crossbites

• underbites

• severe crowding

• severe spacing

• protruded teeth

• oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting)

• open bites

Why should malocclusions (bad bites) be treated?

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile – it creates a healthier you.

Look for an orthodontist with a good educational background, who has good communication skills and is comfortable interacting with children, has a professional and well-trained staff.

Questions to ask:

• How do you feel about early treatment (two phases of early and late) versus one phase of treatment in the teenage/pre-teen years?

• What other methods besides classic braces (retainers, Invisalign, appliances) do you use to treat patients?

• Do you take records (photos and x-rays) in your office or do you send patients out to a lab?

• What methods of payment do you accept (discounts, payment in full, monthly payments, third party credit)?

Monica Madan, DDS, and Erin Cohen, DDS, are orthodontists in private practice in Beverly Hills. They have been published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) and American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Most importantly, they are moms and have that magic touch.

L.A. Parent readers: Call Beverly Hills Orthodontics for a consultation at 310-785-0770, print out and bring in this article and you will receive free retainers with adult or child orthodontic treatment ($1,000 value).