Ask the Dentist: What is the best age to visit an Orthodontist?

A: The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child should see an orthodontist when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7.

A child would have sufficient permanent teeth then for the orthodontist to determine if a problem exists or is developing. While your child’s teeth may appear straight, there could be subtle problems with jaw growth and developing teeth that only an orthodontist can detect. Early detection allows for timely action to resolve the problem before they fully develop. 

There are three possible outcomes after your child sees an orthodontist namely:

1. No treatment needed

2. Regular monitoring for future treatment

3. Starting on early treatment

Besides achieving a nicer smile and better self-esteem, there can be other functional benefits to early orthodontic treatment:

1. Achieving alignment of the jaws 

2. Lowering risk of dental trauma to  protruded front teeth

3. Reducing damage to the gums from anomalies in the bite

4. Guiding adult teeth to emerge into more favourable positions

Some orthodontic problems are more effectively corrected at a young age when the jaws and teeth are still growing. This can minimize the need for more extensive and expensive treatment at a later age. 

Certain outcomes may be unachievable or less ideal if treatment is started after your child has stopped growing. 

Give your child the best opportunity at well-balanced jaws and a healthy, beautiful smile.  See an Orthodontist today to determine if your child can benefit from early orthodontic treatment.

Dr Soh Shean Han is an Orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA. Dr Soh is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She is also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with National University of Singapore and a Visiting Associate Consultant at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore. Dr Soh has a special interest in orthodontics and dental public health. 
http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

What makes an effective bilingual programme?

Find out at the CIS French Carnaval on 23 Nov!

Learning a second language can open up a world of opportunities. As parents, how can one choose a programme that successfully educates children in becoming bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural global citizens? Dr Xiomara Cruz, Canadian International School’s (CIS) Primary Vice Principal and head of their French-English bilingual programme, shares her insights.

1. Speaking a language without understanding its cultural context has very 

little real-world value. When culture is integrated into learning, students can 

communicate from a place of understanding, not just say or repeat the words. For instance

on International Dot Day, our grade 6 students  learned about the spirit of kindness 

and French art history including the Pointillism technique, before describing a related artwork in French.

2. Purposeful learning experiences can help children better connect with and understand the language. Through hands-on activities like acting in plays, students get to learn beyond the classroom and apply real-world knowledge in authentic settings. One inquiry-based lesson saw grade 5 students read recipe 

instructions and communicate in French, while cooking up a storm at our learning kitchen!

3. Bilingual programmes can develop children holistically. At CIS, bilingual students experience true international education that not just develops their language skills, but also promotes their academic and social emotional development. Recently, our grade 5s produced audio postcards that introduced Singapore’s history and culture in French. They later exchanged the postcards with French-speaking students in France, Lebanon, and Tunisia, building on both their language skills and intercultural awareness.

Learn more about CIS’s bilingual programme at their French Carnaval on 23 November. You will meet Dr Xiomara and her expert team, and join French-inspired family-friendly activities run by their bilingual students, including a French café station and a crêpe tossing game!