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Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Is Essential For Your Child?

Posted on March 15, 2023

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

For those who have young children, it is important to consider the many ways that you can protect their dental health. Early orthodontic treatment can be a great way to ensure that your child’s teeth are developing correctly and that they are not suffering from any potential future problems. In this blog, we will discuss why early orthodontic treatment is essential for your child’s dental health.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment is vital for your child’s dental health. By intercepting potential problems while your child’s mouth is still growing, early treatment can save you time and money in the long run. Early treatment can also improve your child’s appearance and self-esteem by correcting problems before they become more pronounced.

Children should see an orthodontist no later than age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. At this age, many children have not yet developed all their adult teeth, but orthodontists can spot potential problems with the way the teeth are coming in and intervene if necessary. If you’re concerned about your child’s dental health, don’t wait to make an appointment with an orthodontist. Early treatment may be just what your child needs to enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth!

The Benefits Of Orthodontic Treatment

There are numerous benefits to orthodontic treatment, especially for children. Early treatment can help to prevent more serious problems from developing later on. It can also make treatment quicker and less expensive in the long run. It could even be feasible to completely avoid surgery in some circumstances.

Children who receive early orthodontic treatment often have an easier time maintaining good oral hygiene. This is because they can more easily reach all of their teeth with a toothbrush and floss. They are also less likely to develop cavities and other dental problems.

Early treatment can also improve your child’s speech. If your child has difficulty speaking clearly, braces or other appliances can help to correct the problem. In addition, early treatment can improve your child’s appearance by creating straighter teeth and a more pleasing smile.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment for your child, it is essential to consult with an experienced orthodontist. He or she will be able to assess your child’s individual needs and create a treatment plan that is right for them.

How Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Help with Future Oral Health Problems?

Early orthodontic treatment can help prevent several problems with your child’s teeth and jaws, including:

Crossbite: When the upper and lower teeth don’t line up properly, it can cause the teeth to wear down unevenly. This can lead to serious dental problems later on.

Overbite: An overbite occurs when the top teeth protrude too far over the bottom teeth. This can cause pain and difficulty chewing, and can also lead to gum disease.

Underbite: When the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth, this is known as an underbite. This can make it difficult to chew properly, and can also put extra stress on the jaw joint, leading to pain and TMJ problems.

Early orthodontic treatment can help correct these problems before they become more severe. In some cases, it may even be possible to avoid surgery or other more invasive treatments down the road. If you’re concerned about your child’s oral health, talk to your dentist about whether early orthodontic treatment is right for them.

Early Orthodontic Treatments in Children: Warning Signs

If you notice any of the following warning signs in your child, it may be time to seek early orthodontic treatment:

  1. Your child’s teeth are overcrowded or they have gaps between their teeth.
  2. Your child bites their tongue or lips when they eat or talks.
  3. Your child has difficulty chewing or swallowing food.
  4. Your child breathes through their mouth instead of their nose.
  5. Your child has a lisp or other speech problems.
  6. Your child’s teeth don’t meet correctly when they bite down.
  7. Your child grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw.

Final Takeaway

Early orthodontic treatment is essential for your child’s dental health. It not only helps to prevent serious problems later in life but also ensures that your child has the best possible chance of having a beautiful and healthy smile throughout their life. Taking action now can help ensure that your child’s teeth are properly aligned and have the best chance of staying this way for many years to come.

FAQs

1. In what time frame will my child be treated? 

For some children, it may be necessary for them to wear an appliance, such as a palatal expander, for 8-12 months, followed by a retainer or space maintainer until all the permanent teeth have appeared. After this, the child will begin the straightening phase of treatment.

2. Does it hurt to have braces?

Braces don’t have to hurt! Some pressure is normal since the teeth are slowly moving through the bone to their new position.

 3. Does my child also need braces?

Some children may see their issues clear up after the interceptive treatment is completed, while others will require braces. Most children who need braces will go on to receive braces in the future. Since we have corrected the underlying issue before straightening the teeth, the time they spend in braces is often shorter.