We have designed this special program as an observation process for your child. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child first see an orthodontist at the age of seven. In some cases, it can be earlier.
This program is at no charge to you.

At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be needed. However, this periodic monitoring allows us to treat some growth conditions at the ideal time with adequate planning and preparation.

Summary of the Pre-Orthodontic Guidance Program

• Your child is seen at periodic examinations to evaluate changes in growth patterns.

• Dr. Johnson or Dr. Lingenbrink will alert you of any necessary treatment in advance to allow proper planning on your part.

• To monitor each child sufficiently, radiographic digital images are taken at no cost to you.

• This program is complimentary during this observation period.

Common problems to look out for

• Underbite:

  The projection of the lower teeth beyond the upper teeth

• Overbite

  The upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth

• Spacing

  Excess space for teeth which results in gaps between teeth which may be caused by missing teeth. Spaces may also be a cosmetic issue.

• Crowding

  When teeth have insufficient room to erupt, causing the teeth to be twisted or displaced

• Openbite

  The top teeth and bottom teeth do not come together. Openbite may be caused by a number of habits, such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking

• Crossbite

  Is the upper teeth fit inside of the lower teeth. This misalignment can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth

• Thumb sucking

  The thumb sucking habit brings comfort to most infants and small children. But if the habit continues once the permanent teeth begin to erupt, it can cause serious damage to the teeth and jaws.

• Tongue Thrusting

  The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in our body so when pressure is applied in the wrong place, it then forces the teeth and jaws out of alignment.

Benefits of the Pre-Orthodontic Guidance Program

• Enables us to monitor a child's development at no charge.

• Intercepts any abnormalities at an early age with limited measures to guide facial growth and tooth eruption.

• Minimizes extensive and lengthy treatment at a later age.

• Achieves results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing.

• Enable us to support a child's dental care with a team approach

• Eases a child's apprehension about orthodontic treatment

We encourage all parents or any involved persons to attend these informative examination visits to allow us to fully explain your child’s specific situation. Rest assure that we will do everything in our power to treat your child the best possible way to allow him/her to grow up with a beautiful and functional smile.