Lucky 7 Kids Club

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children receive an initial orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. This is why we have created the Lucky 7 Kids Club @Braces by Dr. Ruth. And we are so excited to share it with you!

The Team at Braces by Dr. Ruth looks forward to meeting your child during the Lucky 7 initial orthodontic consultation. Your child will tour the office and will have both pictures and x-rays made. With these diagnostic tools, Dr. Ruth will gather the information needed about your child's jaw and tooth development to make a professional assessment.

Dr. Ruth believes in a conservative treatment approach. She likes to eliminate the unnecessary expense for the parents when there is no long-term benefit for the child. Braces are not typically recommended for the majority of our Lucky 7 patients. These club members will be scheduled for follow-up evaluations 6 to 12 months apart so that Dr. Ruth can monitor growth and dental development. At each appointment the club member will earn prizes and points.

A small percentage of children, however, will require Phase 1 Orthodontic treatment. Phase 1 Orthodontics is an early interceptive treatment that is done before all the permanent teeth have erupted, and often occurs between the ages of six and ten. During this treatment, we will intercept a developing problem, positively guide the development of the jaw, or prevent a problem from developing.

A few clues that might indicate a need for early orthodontic care include an unbalanced facial appearance, protruding teeth, finger and thumb habits, grinding or the clenching of teeth. Other indications such as early or late loss of baby teeth, biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth, jaws that are too far forward or too far back, or when upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly. Breathing through the mouth or difficulty when chewing may also be signs that early attention is needed.

Give us a call at (615) 323-2026 for further information. We would love for your child to join our Lucky 7 Kids Club @Braces by Dr. Ruth.