Age 7 -- A Year to Remember National Orthodontic Health Month Focuses on Importance of Early Screenings

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ST. LOUIS, Oct. 1,1997 -- While helping their youngsters decide which pretty or snaggle-toothed mask to put on for Halloween, most parents probably aren't thinking about orthodontics. They should, however, because October is National Orthodontic Health Month, a time when the importance of children's orthodontic health is in the spotlight.

Unfortunately, many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find out that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct before jaw growth has slowed. Consequently, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child get an orthodontic screening no later than age 7.

"We can't overemphasize how important it is that parents understand the value of a screening no later than age 7," says Dr. Larson S. Keso, AAO president and an orthodontist with a practice in Oklahoma City. "By age 7, enough permanent teeth have arrived for us to evaluate relationships developing between teeth, jaw and bite. We can determine, what, if anything, is awry and discuss whether starting treatment at that point will be helpful."

Cases that demonstrate the advantages of early intervention can be found in most orthodontic practices. Patricia Gero and her daughter Jennifer are both patients of Dr. John McGill of Plattsburgh, N.Y. Patricia had a severe overbite and receding chin, which her daughter inherited. As an adult, Patricia required jaw surgery as well as orthodontics to correct her bite, which necessitated more expense and time. Jennifer was more fortunate. Since her first phase of treatment started at age 7, she only needed braces to finish up as an adolescent.

"An early visit to the orthodontist can ease a parent's mind," notes Dr. Keso. "Our recommendation may simply be 'let's wait and see' while the face and jaws continue to grow."

For some youngsters, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. A child nicknamed "Bucky" may suffer more than teasing. Teeth that aren't in the right position are also prone to injury.

Braces Could Help Three Out Of Four People

The AAO estimates that 75 percent of children would benefit from orthodontic care.

Nearly 4 1/2 million people in the United States and Canada are presently in orthodontic treatment, according to the AAO. One in five is over age 18. Many are as young as 2 or 3, and some are in their 50s, 60s, and older. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age.

As braces gradually change looks, they change outlooks, too.

"A beautiful, healthy smile is the most obvious result of orthodontic treatment, but there's so much more to our specialty than meets the eye," points out Dr. Keso. "As we improve a person's smile, self-esteem increases, too."

A Better-Looking Bite Usually Works Better, Too

For the first time in her life, Ricki Ratliff, a 40-year-old patient of Dr. David Hime in Austin, Texas, feels attractive. Since her teeth and jaws no longer look abnormal, she doesn't feel conspicuous anymore. But she's also grateful to the art and science of orthodontics for another reason -- she doesn't dread mealtimes.

People whose bites are normal probably take eating for granted. But for Ratliff and countless others who have needed braces, this can be an ordeal at least three times a day. The Rev. Randy Nabors of Chattanooga, Tenn., had so much trouble chewing that he frequently choked on his food. Now that he's out of braces, he can relax and enjoy meals.

Ratliff, who still marvels at this unexpected benefit, observes: "When I eat, my teeth meet soundly on both sides, each chomp bringing me a deep satisfaction!"

About The American Association Of Orthodontists

The AAO is comprised of more than 13,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad. Founded in 1900, the AAO supports research and education leading to quality patient care and promotes increased public awareness of the need for and benefits of orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists are uniquely qualified to correct "bad bites." The American Dental Association requires orthodontists to have at least two years of post- doctoral, advanced specialty training in orthodontics in an accredited program, after graduation from college and then dental school.

For valuable information on many orthodontic topics, call 1-800-STRAIGHT (1-800-787-2444). Or write the American Association of Orthodontists at 401 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141-7816. To learn more about orthodontics online, you can find the AAO on the Internet at http://www.aaortho.org.

Anyone considering orthodontics for themselves or a child can take advantage of the "Smile Bank," the AAO's free computer-imaging program. Just send in a close-up photo of your face, front view, featuring a natural, toothy smile and an orthodontist will prepare a computer-generated "after braces" picture. Mail your photo (and return address) to the AAO, c/o "SMILES," Dept. 0, and you'll receive a free photo showing how your smile might benefit from orthodontics.

CONTACT: Bill Beggs, 314-721-3400, ext. 373 or Pam Paladin, 314-993-1700, ext. 224 of the AAO.