Children's Orthodontics in Fairlawn, and Cortland, OH
At the office of Drs. Najem & Lehky Orthodontics, we work hard to ensure that our patients receive high quality orthodontic treatment in a friendly, comfortable environment. Dr. Najem and Dr. Lehky are proud to offer a range of comprehensive orthodontic treatment services for children, teens, and adults in and around the greater Akron, Warren, and Western Cuyahoga County, Ohio areas. With offices in Fairlawn and Cortland, our practice believes that young or old, every patient deserves to have the smile they've always dreamed of.
We have found that beginning orthodontic treatment at an early age can be very beneficial to your child's health in the long run. Developing positive oral hygiene habits earlier in life is a great way to start your child on the path to a beautiful, healthy smile. Learn more about early treatment at Drs. Najem & Lehky Orthodontics below and feel free to contact us with any additional questions you may have.
When is the best time to begin orthodontic treatment?
While choosing to improve your smile at any age is an excellent decision, our Akron orthodontists Dr. Najem and Dr. Lehky have found that there is an optimal time period to begin treatment for children. An orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of any orthodontic problems or at the age of 7 years old when the front four permanent teeth are beginning to erupt. At this age, we have found that orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, however at this age all options are still available to address any orthodontic problems. A vigilant examination can help us to anticipate the best time to begin treatment.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
There are a number of benefits to beginning treatment at an earlier stage in life. An early evaluation can benefit your child in a variety of ways including:
- Providing timely detection of problems
- Greater opportunity for more effective treatment
- Guiding growth and development to prevent serious problems in the future
- Close monitoring of tooth movement and jaw growth
Why is age 7 considered the best time for screening?
We have found that by the age of 7, a child's first adult molars have erupted, establishing their back bite. At this time, an orthodontist is able to evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. A timely screening has been proven to not only detect issues leading to orthodontic treatment, but it also helps to create the chances for an incredible smile in the future.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Interceptive treatment can help your child's tooth development in a number of ways including the following:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
- Improving malocclusions (bad bites) caused by crowded teeth, crossbites, openbites and protruding teeth
Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile-it creates a healthier you.
Schedule an Appointment with our Fairlawn, OH Orthodontists Today
Thank you for choosing the office of Drs. Najem & Lehky Orthodontics as your preferred choice for all of your child's early orthodontic needs. We have proudly improved the smiles of many children in and around Fairlawn, Cortland, Akron, Warren, and Western Cuyahoga County, Ohio with clear braces and more. If you are interested in beginning early orthodontic treatment for your child, please contact us at one of our three Northeastern Ohio offices and we'll be happy to assist you. We look forward to seeing you soon!