What an Orthodontist Says About Early Orthodontic Treatment

It is becoming more popular to see an orthodontist and do early orthodontic treatment for children. However, this is not a new concept. Orthodontists have recommended this approach for decades. A lot of people think of the teenage years as the right time to start orthodontic care. But, in reality, children as young as age 7 can also start. If you have a son or daughter at this age, you can now get started to achieve a new smile.

Early orthodontic assessment

An early orthodontic checkup provides a prompt diagnosis and a large opportunity for effective orthodontic treatment. It may also prevent more complicated dental issues later on. This assessment will enable the orthodontist to keep an eye on the growth and development of the child’s healthy teeth and jawbone. Treatment will follow if the patient develops an orthodontic issue.

Interceptive treatment

This is another term for early orthodontic treatment. Specific orthodontic issues are easier to correct in children than in adults because a child’s jaw and teeth are still growing. If an early orthodontic checkup was not possible during the child’s younger years, the dentist might need to extract some teeth to get rid of dental crowding. This can make the orthodontic treatment work better and faster.

Seven years old is the ideal age for an early orthodontic screening. At this age, the bones are still growing. The dentist can determine if the child needs orthodontic treatments. This is also an age that allows the dentist to start a treatment that can be effective as the child matures.

The importance of orthodontic treatment

While it is most effective to start care at age 7, people of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment. There are both cosmetic and health reasons to straighten teeth and correct bite abnormalities. A person with crooked teeth, spacing issues, or other related concerns may feel embarrassed. It can affect an individual’s self-esteem and self-image too.

Additionally, straightening teeth can reduce a person’s risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean. Flossing and brushing properly can be a challenge in these conditions. When braces or aligners correct these issues, the person should be able to keep up with oral hygiene habits more successfully.

Other benefits of early orthodontic treatment

Early orthodontic treatment can correct bad dental habits that may cause problems later in life. Examples of such habits are thumb-sucking or sucking on objects. Interceptive treatment can also reduce the risk of damage to protruding teeth. The dentist can guide the child’s jaw growth and development. This can guide and accommodate erupting permanent teeth. Early orthodontic intervention can increase a child’s self-esteem.

Early orthodontic treatment will reduce treatment lengths later

Orthodontic work happens in stages. Around age 7 or 8, the orthodontist begins evaluating the patient and coming up with a treatment plan. The child may not get braces or aligners until later. However, the earlier the patient has orthodontic care, the greater the likelihood that the treatment will be short. People ordinarily wear braces for around two years, while treatment with aligners is about 12 to 18 months. With early intervention, the orthodontist can cut down those periods.

The approach can stop issues before they happen

It is not uncommon for a person to have crooked teeth or bite misalignments. But these problems do not necessarily have to occur. Thanks to early orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist can see permanent teeth coming in crooked before the baby teeth even come out. This way, the orthodontist can create enough space in the mouth so that the teeth will erupt straight. As for bite dysfunctions, the orthodontist can begin to correct jaw positioning at a young age.

Braces are not likely to be an early treatment

Some parents worry about their children having braces at age 7 or 8. However, with early orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist will likely start with other methods to correct the smile. These include fitting the child with a palatal expander, spacers, or a retainer. After a few years of wearing these devices, the patient may be ready for braces or aligners.

Be proactive about your child’s orthodontic care

There is no need to wait until your son or daughter is a teenager to repair their crooked teeth or misaligned jaws. You can do early orthodontic treatment now. The orthodontist will discuss your child’s needs and goals and formulate a plan to improve the way the patient’s teeth look. Now is a good time to make an appointment for an evaluation.

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