Fredericksburg Parent

18 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • August 2021 Q. Q. Ask the Expert a sk t h e e x p e rt When we hear the word "orthodon cs," many of us immediately think braces. But an orthodon st can func on as a trusted guide and an important part of oral health- care as a child's face and jaws are growing and developing. When teeth are well- posi oned, everything from chewing, to speaking, to smiling is easier. As our August Expert, Dr. Diana Almy, a board-cer fi ed orthodon st who has served the Freder- icksburg area since 2005 at Fredericksburg Orthodon cs & Invisalign Center, shares ps for parents who may be wondering if their child is approaching the age when an orthodon c consulta on would make sense. At what age should a child see an orthodontist? DR. ALMY: The American Associa on of Orthodon sts recommends that children receive a screening from an orthodon st by age 7. This is what I recommend, as well. By this point, a child's 6-year molars are erupted, front teeth are coming in and we have a good sense of the size of a child's adult teeth. When we look at the mouth at this age, we can get a good idea of whether there is any jaw malalignment, or other issues we may want to treat early, such as a crossbite or an underbite. Some of these issues will benefi t from a two-phased approach, where we do one phase at an earlier age, and then another at age 11 or 12, once permanent teeth are in. This can help us build a healthier base for new teeth coming in. Most kids won't need that two-phased approach, but seeing them early can s ll help us. We can monitor their growth and some mes make recommenda ons back to the den st for baby tooth extrac on that may eliminate the need for certain treatments down the road. What is the experience like for younger chil- dren coming to Fredericksburg Orthodontics? DR. ALMY: These early visits are complimentary at Fredericksburg Orthodon cs, and over the years we have learned that many children are actually excited to make their fi rst visit to the orthodon- st—especially if they have friends or an older sibling who has had braces. Most children who come in at 7 or 8 don't need braces yet, and de- spite what parents may be feeling, kids some mes see this as kind of a bummer—they are excited for the "cool factor," and experiencing this common part of growing up. For these children, we have our Kids Club. They'll come in for regular complimen- tary consulta ons where we monitor their growth. We start building a rela onship with the family, the child and ge ng them excited about coming in. We even give them a fun e-dye T-shirt and a lanyard to help them feel like part of our Freder- icksburg Orthodon cs family. When we have this rela onship, we are able to make interven ons when we spot the need for them, and this can ul mately result in less overall me in treatment and be er outcomes. FREDERICKSBURG ORTHODONTICS INTERVIEWED BY EMILY FREEHLING

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