7 Tips for Parents Considering Early Orthodontic Treatment
Dentist Magazine
7 Tips for Parents Considering Early Orthodontic Treatment
Navigating the world of early orthodontic treatment can be daunting for parents, but informed decisions are crucial for a child's dental health. This article demystifies the process with actionable tips derived from the wisdom of seasoned orthodontic professionals. Explore expert strategies to identify signs for early intervention and foster your child's optimal dental development.
- Schedule First Orthodontic Evaluation By Age 7
- Look For Important Signs Between Ages 3-6
- Begin With An Orthodontic Consultation
- Guide Growth Of Your Child's Jaw
- Prevent Complex Issues With Early Intervention
- Address Bite Issues Early On
- Create Space For Proper Tooth Eruption
Schedule First Orthodontic Evaluation By Age 7
As an orthodontist, my advice to parents is to schedule their child's first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, following the recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists. At this age, first permanent molars have erupted in most children and the anterior primary teeth are beginning to be replaced by their permanent successors. Screenings at this age can catch issues before they become bigger concerns.
With nearly 15 years of experience, I've seen how early intervention can make a difference for children with misaligned jaws, crossbites, missing teeth, crowded teeth, and impacted teeth. I remember one young patient whose front tooth was stuck high in her gums, likely due to a past trauma. With some help from a surgeon, we were able to guide it into place and save the tooth. If the patient had waited, the tooth might never have come down. At that point, extraction of the tooth, a bone graft, and an implant at age 18 would be the only option. Cases like these demonstrate how timely care can avoid less ideal, more complex, and costly procedures later on.
Not every child needs orthodontic treatment at a young age, but for those who do, early diagnosis and treatment provide the parent and child with options that may no longer be available once all the teeth have erupted, or worse, when the child has already reached adulthood and has finished growing. In addition, early treatment can often be simpler, faster, more comfortable, and less expensive.
Early orthodontic treatment is best considered when it can provide returns that would no longer be possible if treatment were to start at a later date. While I personally try to minimize two lengthy phases of treatment, there are valid situations in which it is desirable. Even if no treatment is needed, early screenings can provide peace of mind for parents and children.
Look For Important Signs Between Ages 3-6
It is always a great idea to take your children for regular dental visits to maintain good oral health, but there are some very important signs that every parent should be looking for when the child is between 3-6. First and foremost is to check if the child can breathe through their nose and sleep with their mouth closed. Mouth breathing can affect many aspects of growth, sleep quality—which directly influences brain and bodily development—teeth decay, facial growth harmony, palate, and teeth alignment. Second, if the child is thumb-sucking or has an open bite after the age of 3, parents should consult an orthodontist. Also, teeth grinding at night, while there may be many reasons, dental or not, and is common in young children, should alert parents to look for the actual cause. But if I had to warn any parents about only one thing, it would be this: if you see a crossbite in the front teeth or the back ones, seek immediate orthodontic consultation. It is fairly easy to treat at the beginning; however, as the child grows, the crossbite and underlying problem will get worse and require much longer and harder treatment.
Begin With An Orthodontic Consultation
Starting with an orthodontic consultation is essential for parents considering early orthodontic treatment. A professional orthodontist can assess the child's dental structure and identify any issues. This initial step helps in devising a personalized treatment plan that suits the child's needs.
The consultation also provides an opportunity to ask questions and understand the process. Ensuring you have all the information can lead to better decisions. Schedule a consultation to take the first step towards your child's dental health.
Guide Growth Of Your Child's Jaw
Early orthodontic treatment can significantly guide the growth of your child's jaw. By addressing potential issues at a young age, the treatment can steer jaw development in the right direction. This proactive approach can prevent more serious problems that could arise if left untreated.
Ensuring proper jaw growth can lead to better alignment and avoid future complications. It's important to consider early treatment to support your child's overall dental development. Contact an orthodontist to discuss how early treatment can benefit your child.
Prevent Complex Issues With Early Intervention
Intervening early in orthodontic treatment can help prevent complex issues in the future. By tackling dental problems before they become severe, the chance of needing extensive treatment later is reduced. This early intervention can save time, money, and discomfort for your child.
Proper management of dental issues at a young age leads to a healthier and more confident smile. Make sure to explore early orthodontic options to secure your child's dental future. Reach out to an orthodontic specialist today.
Address Bite Issues Early On
Addressing bite issues early on is a crucial step in orthodontic treatment for children. Bite problems, if left unattended, can lead to difficulties in chewing, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene. Early treatment can correct these issues before they escalate into more serious conditions.
A well-aligned bite contributes to overall health and well-being. Ensuring early intervention can make a significant difference in your child's quality of life. Take action now by consulting with an orthodontist to address bite concerns.
Create Space For Proper Tooth Eruption
Creating space for proper tooth eruption is an important benefit of early orthodontic treatment. Children may experience overcrowding, which can prevent teeth from coming in correctly. Early treatment techniques can create the necessary space for teeth to erupt as they should.
This can help in maintaining proper tooth alignment and avoiding future extractions. Promoting proper eruption now sets the stage for a healthy adult smile. Start the conversation with an orthodontist to learn more about how early treatment can help.