
You may believe that your child is too young to benefit from orthodontic treatment. It is possible that they are. In spite of this, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by the age of seven.
At this time, baby teeth are being replaced by permanent teeth, making it a great time to detect orthodontic issues as early as possible. With time, dental problems related to jaw growth tend to get worse rather than better. Since children are growing rapidly at this age, they can greatly benefit from appliances that can balance the relationship between the upper and lower jaws and allow room for erupting teeth to emerge. As a result, fewer extractions or surgeries will be required in the future, which makes treatment easier in the long run.
What are the signs that your child might benefit from early treatment?
There are some signs you can look for, but ultimately, it is best left to the professionals. Orthodontists have a thorough understanding of what to look for. Despite the fact that your child appears to have straight teeth, there may be underlying problems you are not aware of.
You should look out for the following signs:
- Incisors that protrude
- Problems with the bite
- A deep bite
- An underbite
- Severe Crowding
- Disharmony in the jaws
- An open bite
- A crossbite
There are typically two phases to early treatment, with each phase beginning at the most appropriate time to correct specific problems.
During Phase One, active treatment typically lasts between 12 and 18 months and occurs between the ages of 7 and 10. More attention is paid to your child’s muscles and jaws during this phase.
There is a resting period of 12–24 months followed by phase two, which typically lasts 12–18 months. All baby teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth during this final phase of treatment. Our primary focus is to correct the position of teeth, close spaces, etc.
When your child is seen by an orthodontist at an early age, he or she will spend more time smiling and less time wearing braces in the future. There are some children who do not require early treatment. It is our goal to ensure that your child receives the most comfortable and effective treatment possible so they can live a confident, happy life.
Our kids’ dental and orthodontic office is here to help you determine if your child would benefit from early orthodontic treatment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and we can determine whether they would benefit from early treatment or advise you on the most appropriate time to start.