The Wired-Up Club Future Member
Welcome Future Member of the Wired-Up Club! Dr. Greenberg and his team developed this exciting club for younger RxSmile Orthodontics siblings (birth through age 7) who aren’t quite ready for their braces debut. It’s easy to join the club, just stop by our front desk during your next appointment and ask to be signed up! Once we enter each sibling(s) information and take a few pics, we’ll give them a special welcome T-shirt (or bib for those under 2). Then each year on their birthday they’ll continue to receive a birthday card and fun surprise based on their age:
- 1 year: rubber duck bath toy
- 2 years: toddler to-go tray and utensil set
- 3 years: stuffed animal teddy bear
- 4 years: art/craft apron
- 5 years: sling backpack
- 6 years: sport water bottle
- 7 years: pick out a birthday surprise when they come in for their first evaluation
What’s significant about age 7?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends age 7 as the best time frame for an early orthodontic treatment (Phase 1) evaluation. By this time children have enough permanent teeth to begin evaluating teeth and jaw development, yet their jaw bones are still soft and pliable should corrective procedures be necessary.
Some orthodontic problems are inherited, while other issues arise from accidents, dental disease, or abnormal swallowing. If left untreated, these problems can become more serious over time. The goal of early orthodontic treatment is to intercept any developing problems, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. Some children require Phase II orthodontic treatment after all their permanent teeth have come in to move teeth into their best positions. Appropriate early treatment helps to lay the groundwork for a healthy, well-functioning mouth in adulthood.
Signs your child may need early orthodontic treatment
- Early loss of baby teeth (before age five)
- Mouth breathing, snoring, signs of sleep apnea
- If your child’s teeth do not meet when biting down
- A speech impediment
- Crowded or protruding front teeth
- Biting/chewing difficulties
- If your child’s jaw shifts when they open/close their mouth
- If your child still sucks a thumb/finger past 5 years old
What happens during their first evaluation?
Expect to spend about 1 hour for this complimentary consultation. A member of Dr. Greenberg’s team will take photos of your child, plus a 3D Orthodontics Imaging scan to get a 3D model of their mouth to evaluate any jaw, teeth or airway concerns. Dr. Greenberg will come in and perform a thorough oral exam and review the photos and 3D imaging. He will explain your child’s growth and development and identify any issues where early treatment might be recommended. If early treatment options are necessary, he’ll outline your child’s custom treatment plan, and discuss timeline and costs. If early treatment is not recommended at this time, your child will be put on our “Observation & Growth Program” where every 6 months to 1 year we’ll notify you to come in for a follow-up consultation.
As you can tell, in dealing with a child’s growth and development, timing is everything! Bringing your child in for their first evaluation at age 7 will ensure that treatment needs are identified early, giving them a better orthodontic experience, with fewer complications, and the best outcome. If you would like to sign up for the RxSmile Orthodontics Wired-Up Club, or if your child is 7 or older and hasn’t been seen by an orthodontist for their first early treatment evaluation, please call the RxSmile office at 972-335-1300 to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Greenberg today.