When it comes to your child’s oral health, taking proactive steps early can lead to a lifetime of benefits. One of the most important aspects of early dental care is orthodontic treatment, and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. At this stage, many of the permanent teeth are beginning to erupt, and jaw growth is still in progress, allowing orthodontists to identify and address potential issues before they become more complex.
Detecting Problems Early
Children’s teeth are constantly developing, and during the early stages, certain orthodontic issues may become noticeable. For example, if your child has problems with crowding, misalignment or jaw development, starting treatment early allows for timely intervention. Early orthodontic evaluations can catch issues like crossbites, open bites, underbites and excessive crowding that may not be as easily noticeable in later years. Addressing these issues early can prevent them from worsening and becoming more difficult to treat.
By starting early, orthodontists can guide the development of a child’s jaw and teeth, which can eliminate the need for more invasive procedures later on. The goal is to create the optimal conditions for teeth and jaw alignment as the child continues to grow, ensuring their bite is healthy and functional.
Advantages of Early Orthodontic Treatment
There are several key benefits to beginning orthodontic treatment at an early age:
- Create more space for crowded teeth: If your child’s teeth are growing in crowded or overlapping, early treatment can guide their eruption. This often reduces the need for future extractions or extensive realignment.
- Preserve space for unerupted teeth: By using appliances like spacers, early orthodontic treatment can help maintain adequate room for teeth that have not erupted yet, ensuring they have the space to come in properly.
- Correct jaw growth and facial symmetry: One of the major goals of early orthodontic intervention is to ensure that the upper and lower jaws grow proportionately. Misaligned jaw growth can lead to bite problems and even affect facial aesthetics. Early intervention can help guide proper growth and alignment.
- Reduce the need for extractions: In some cases, early orthodontics can eliminate or reduce the need for tooth extractions, as there is better control over how teeth and jaws grow together.
- Shorten overall treatment time: Because early intervention can correct issues before they worsen, the total time needed for orthodontic treatment can be significantly reduced.
Monitoring and Personalized Treatment
When you bring your child in for an early orthodontic screening, the orthodontist will assess their teeth, jaw and overall oral health. Not every child will need early intervention, but for those who do, the orthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan. This plan might involve the use of removable or fixed appliances designed to guide teeth into the correct positions or support jaw development.
Even if your child does not require immediate treatment, an early screening allows the orthodontist to monitor their development over time, ensuring that any emerging issues are addressed promptly. This proactive approach ensures that your child’s oral health stays on track and minimizes the risk of more complex problems gaining traction later in life.
Seeking Help
Early orthodontic evaluations and treatments are an investment in your child’s future oral health. By addressing potential issues before they escalate, you can ensure your child’s smile is healthy, functional, and confident. To learn more about early orthodontic care or to schedule an appointment for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to our orthodontist’s office today.
Did you know that Dr. DeArment, Dr. Lill and Dr. Song are designated Diamond Plus Invisalign® providers which are recognized as the top Invisalign® providers in North America? We invite you to learn more about these revolutionary clear aligners. After all, your family’s teeth deserve top-notch orthodontic care!