You want the best for your child’s health and wellbeing as a parent. Their oral health is a crucial component of their general well-being. Teeth that are straight and properly aligned not only provide for a stunning smile but also significantly improve oral health. In this case, orthodontic therapy is necessary. But the big question is when your child should begin receiving orthodontic care.
Early Orthodontic Treatment Phases
Two crucial steps constitute early orthodontic therapy:
Phase One: When a child is in the stage of mixed dentition, usually around age seven, phase one, also known as interceptive orthodontic therapy, begins. It focuses on managing new orthodontic problems like overcrowding, misaligned bites, and problems with jaw growth by offering prompt intervention to direct appropriate growth.
Phase Two: When the majority or all of the permanent teeth have emerged in early adolescence, phase two, complete orthodontic care, begins. A harmonic, properly aligned bite and a self-assured, healthy grin are its main goals. In order to improve a child’s dental health, face attractiveness, and long-term well-being, both periods are crucial.
Early evaluation enables an orthodontics dentist to evaluate a child’s tooth and jaw development and growth, as well as to spot any possible problems that may need future treatment. Early orthodontic intervention can frequently prevent the need for more involved and invasive treatment down the road.
The Symptoms to Watch Out For
Before the age of seven, there are a few crucial indicators that your child needs to undergo an orthodontic evaluation:
1. Difficulties in biting or chewing: If your child has trouble biting or chewing, their teeth or jaws may not be properly aligned.
2. Pacifier use or thumb sucking: Jaw development and the alignment of the teeth can be impacted by prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking.
3. Difficulties in speaking: Orthodontic problems might occasionally be connected to speech disorders.
4. Early baby teeth loss: If your child loses their baby teeth too soon or too late, it can be a sign of an orthodontic problem.
5. Mouth Breathing: A constricted airway, which may be linked to jaw growth, may be indicated by frequent mouth breathing.
6. Teeth that Protrude: It is worthwhile to get an orthodontic evaluation if your child’s front teeth protrude noticeably.
7. Crowding or gaps between the teeth: Early evaluation should also be given to your child’s dental crowding or spacing problems.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that not every child who receives an early screening will require orthodontic treatment right away. Although early evaluations assist orthodontists in developing a personalized treatment plan that takes into consideration your child’s unique needs, many children won’t need treatment until they are older.
Early orthodontic care investments might have a big impact on your child’s general well-being. You may ensure that your child benefits from a healthy and confident smile for the rest of their life by requesting an early evaluation and individualized treatment plan. At Nevada Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, our priority is to preserve the oral health and great smile of your child. Contact us to schedule an evaluation or get more information about us. Let us work together to give your child the most outstanding orthodontic care available.