Orthodontic Health Starts Early at Smiles Orthodontics

Perhaps the greatest reason for Dr. Larson’s success is due in part to the strong ethics and values-based service he brings to the South Sound community

 

Submitted by Smiles Orthodontics

Perhaps the greatest reason for Dr. Larson’s success is due in part to the strong ethics and values-based service he brings to the South Sound community
Dr. Larsen says orthodontic evaluations should start as early as 7-years-old.

Did you know that age 7 is the perfect time for your child to see an orthodontist? Most parents think that braces are only for teenagers and are often surprised by how early their child should be evaluated.

Dr. Ethan Larson at Smiles Orthodontics explains that age 7 is when most children start getting their adult teeth. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, timing is key. While most children don’t have any orthodontic needs at age 7, the initial complimentary exam is crucial. At this appointment Dr. Larson will begin to monitor your child’s growth and development in order to begin treatment at a time directly tailored to your child’s individual needs. You will leave this appointment reassured about your child’s current dental development, and confident in your future orthodontic and financial investments.

Orthodontic treatment is about a lot more than just making teeth straight. Along with tooth development, jaw and facial development will also be evaluated to ensure that there are no abnormal habits, breathing or swallowing patterns that could adversely affect your child’s facial development.

Early evaluation will also allow Dr. Larson to:

  • Check for functional shifts and cross bite
  • Check for problems such as crowding, open bite, and jaw discrepancies
  • Allow for time to create room for crowded teeth
  • Help to create facial symmetry
  • Reduce trauma to protruding teeth
  • Check for proper eruption sequence
  • Check for thumb habits and give guidance for correction
  • Look for grinding or clenching of teeth
  • Look for biting cheek or roof of the mouth
  • Evaluate problems that may cause speech issues

Addressing these concerns at the appropriate time allows your child to have the best treatment possible and may reduce the total length of treatment, which saves you time and money.

If you have a 7-year-old, now is the perfect time to call Dr. Ethan Larson’s office to set up your initial exam. Remember, your initial exam is always free. Of course, Dr. Larson is happy to schedule an exam for anyone regardless of his or her age. It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted.

You can get more information and see some beautiful success stories at the Smiles Orthodontics website. You can reach Dr. Larson’s convenient Puyallup office (across the street from the downtown Puyallup library) at by calling 253-848-4537.