|
|
Bullying
is endemic among schoolchildren, and the effects can be devastating and long
lasting. The persistently bullied kid shows a definite psychological type, with
poorly developed social skills and a submissive nature. Physical appearance acts
a major role in bullying. Teasing related to dental appearance is hurtful. Fortunately,
there is evidence of a marked increase in self-confidence following early orthodontic
treatment in youngsters.
Your first visit, before treatment begins, will be a longer one so that a personal and detailed study of your teeth can be completed. During this examination, X-rays of your head, neck, jaws and teeth will be taken.
A child should have his/her teeth checked at about age seven, when the permanent teeth start to grow. Although adolescents (11 to 15 years of age) are most responsive to orthodontics treatment, this early examination will alert the dentists to any potential problems. Orthodontics treatment is also suitable for adults and about 25% of patients today are adults.
Much debate lives among orthodontic professionals between early orthodontic
treatment (ages 7 to 9) and traditional orthodontic intervention (11+ years
old). The American Association of Orthodontists endorses that all
youngsters should be evaluated by a dentist or orthodontist at the age
of seven.
|
