The Benefits Of Starting Orthodontic Care Earlier
At Advanced Orthodontic Specialists, we understand the importance of starting orthodontic care at the right time. That’s why we’re here to help you figure out when your child should begin. The goal of early treatment is to identify developing problems, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth for your child.
When to Start Orthodontic Treatment?
We recommend bringing your child in for an initial checkup no later than age 7. At this point, your child typically has a sufficient number of permanent teeth for an orthodontist to assess the developing teeth and jaws in order to identify any oncoming concerns . These are very formative years where the facial bones and muscles are beginning to shift and change the most.
At this check-up we will look at your child’s teeth, gums and jaw. We’ll be looking to see if your child is developing conditions such as an underbite, crossbite or crowded teeth, that may indicate the need for correction. Most of these orthodontic issues can be hereditary, while others may stem from accidents, dental conditions, or irregular swallowing patterns. While not every child requires early orthodontic treatment, an orthodontic assessment provides the most effective means to identify potential issues as mouths and teeth continue to develop.
What Are The Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Care?
The advantage of early orthodontic intervention lies in the ability to detect and address specific orthodontic concerns at a young age, making the correction process smoother. Delaying your child’s orthodontic treatment until all permanent teeth have developed or facial growth is nearly complete can complicate the correction of these issues, meaning a longer and more expensive process.. It also helps to instill the importance of oral care for your child, and can establish a healthy foundation for their future dental well-being.
Should You Continue Visiting Your Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Absolutely, it’s imperative to continue with regular dental cleanings when undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as wearing braces. A biannual cleaning every six months is vital to ensure the highest level of dental health while going through orthodontic care. This not only safeguards the well-being of your gums and teeth but also supports the effectiveness of the treatment.
At Advanced Orthodontic Specialists, our team of highly trained experts specializes in pediatric treatment. Our primary objective is to set your children’s teeth and oral health on the right trajectory, and keep them out of the chair as much as possible as they age.
Scheduling your child’s initial consultation before the age of 7, allows us to detect and address any potential orthodontic concerns before they escalate as teeth and jaws continue to develop. Give your child the gift of a strong foundation for a beautiful smile through early orthodontic care.