Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Right for Your Child?

Orthodontic treatment is an important part of maintaining good oral health and a beautiful smile. While many people think of braces as a treatment for teenagers, orthodontic treatment can be started at a young age. In this article, we’ll discuss whether early orthodontic treatment is right for your child.

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is orthodontic treatment that is started before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This allows the orthodontist to identify any potential orthodontic problems and develop a treatment plan.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment offers several benefits for children, including:

• Correcting Bite Problems: Bite problems, such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite, can be corrected more easily with early orthodontic treatment. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have erupted can make these problems more difficult to correct and may require more extensive treatment.
• Preventing Future Problems: Early orthodontic treatment can prevent future orthodontic problems by addressing issues before they become more severe. For example, correcting crowded teeth can prevent the need for tooth extraction or more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future.
• Improving Oral Health: Correcting orthodontic problems can improve oral health by making it easier to clean teeth and reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
• Boosting Self-Esteem: Early orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance of the smile, which can boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence.

Types of Early Orthodontic Treatment

The most common types of early orthodontic treatment include:

• Spacers: Spacers are small plastic or metal devices that are placed between the teeth to create space for the permanent teeth to erupt.
• Expanders: Expanders are devices that are used to widen the upper jaw to create more space for the permanent teeth to erupt.
• Headgear: Headgear is a device that is worn outside of the mouth to help correct bite problems.
• Braces: Braces may be used in some cases to correct orthodontic problems.

Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Right for Your Child?

Early orthodontic treatment is not necessary for all children. However, if your child has a bite problem, crowded teeth, or other orthodontic issues, early treatment may be recommended. The orthodontist will evaluate your child’s teeth and jaw and develop a personalized treatment plan.

At Dr. Michaels Children’s Dental Center, our experienced orthodontists work with parents and children to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals. We offer a range of orthodontic treatments, including early orthodontic treatment, to help children achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Conclusion

Early orthodontic treatment can offer several benefits for children, including correcting bite problems, preventing future orthodontic problems, improving oral health, and boosting self-esteem. If you are concerned about your child’s orthodontic health, talk to your pediatric dentist or orthodontist about whether early orthodontic treatment is right for your child. At Dr. Michaels Children’s Dental Center, we are committed to providing compassionate care and guidance to ensure your child’s dental needs are met. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.