Orthodontic screenings are an important part of preventive care at Andover Family Dentistry in Andover, KS. Dr. Howell evaluates bite alignment, jaw development, and tooth positioning at every exam to identify issues early and recommend treatment when it’s most effective.
Early detection of orthodontic problems means simpler treatment, better outcomes, and a healthier, more functional smile for life.
What We Evaluate
During your orthodontic screening, Dr. Howell examines how your teeth fit together, how your jaw functions, and how your bite aligns.
We check for:
- Crowding or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or spacing issues
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Jaw alignment and growth patterns
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
These evaluations help us identify problems before they worsen and determine the best time to intervene.
Early Screenings For Children
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, Dr. Howell can assess jaw growth, detect emerging issues, and determine if early intervention would be beneficial.
Early screening doesn’t always mean early treatment. Many children simply need monitoring as they grow. However, some conditions are easier to correct while the jaw is still developing, including severe crowding, crossbites that affect jaw development, habits like thumb-sucking that impact tooth alignment, and significant overbites or underbites.
Catching these issues early can prevent more extensive treatment later and sometimes eliminate the need for tooth extraction.
Identifying Spacing & Crowding
Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly. Teeth may overlap, twist, or erupt in the wrong position. Crowding makes it difficult to clean your teeth effectively, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Spacing issues, such as gaps between teeth, can also affect bite function and aesthetics. Dr. Howell will identify these issues during your exam and discuss whether treatment is recommended at this time or if monitoring is the best approach.
Monitoring Growth Over Time
For children and teens, orthodontic screenings aren’t just a one-time evaluation. Dr. Howell monitors jaw development and tooth eruption over time to ensure everything is progressing normally.
If we notice that permanent teeth aren’t erupting on schedule, that the jaw isn’t growing symmetrically, or that baby teeth aren’t falling out when they should, we can intervene early to guide development and prevent more serious problems.
Regular monitoring allows us to time orthodontic treatment for maximum effectiveness.
When We Refer For Treatment
If Dr. Howell identifies orthodontic issues that require specialized treatment, we’ll refer you to a trusted orthodontist in the Andover area. We work closely with local orthodontists to coordinate your care and ensure a smooth transition.
Not every bite issue requires braces. Some minor problems can be addressed with simple adjustments or monitoring. Dr. Howell will always recommend the most conservative approach that gives you the best outcome.
Prevention Starts With Early Detection
Orthodontic screenings are about more than just straight teeth. Proper bite alignment affects your ability to chew, speak, and maintain good oral hygiene. Misaligned teeth are harder to clean, which increases your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Early detection and treatment prevent these problems and protect your long-term oral health. By addressing orthodontic issues early, we help you avoid more complex treatment later.
Supporting Lifelong Function
A properly aligned bite distributes chewing forces evenly, reduces wear on your teeth, and prevents strain on your jaw joints. Orthodontic screenings ensure that your bite is developing correctly and that any issues are addressed before they cause discomfort or dysfunction.
Whether you’re bringing in your child for their first screening or addressing your own bite concerns, Dr. Howell will provide honest, straightforward recommendations based on your individual needs.
Schedule Your Screening
At Andover Family Dentistry, orthodontic screenings are part of the comprehensive care we provide for every patient. Dr. Howell and our team are here to help you understand your orthodontic needs and connect you with the right treatment at the right time.
Call our Andover, KS office or book online to schedule your exam. We’re here to support your family’s oral health at every stage.