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Does My Child Need to Visit the Orthodontist?
The old common practice for orthodontic care was to wait until a child had all of his or her teeth to treat orthodontic problems — such as straightening braces. However, orthodontic care is not just for teens and adults, and, in many cases, children may benefit from starting their journey at a younger age.
There are a number of reasons for orthodontic treatment for younger patients and many children benefit from earlier treatment. Here’s what you need to know:
When Should My Child Have an Orthodontic Evaluation?
By the age of seven, your child should be evaluated by an orthodontist, as this age is optimal for the development of the jaw and mouth. Not every problem requires early orthodontics, and it’s important to know when to bring your children for an evaluation.
Your child’s dentist will monitor the development of their teeth during routine exams, and work with you to determine the best time for treatment in the future, if needed. If your dentist feels that your child would benefit from braces at a younger age, they can help you start that process.
Here are some considerations that factor into how early your child should undergo orthodontic treatment:
- Their bite.
- The alignment of their teeth.
- Their family history.
- If their baby teeth are done falling out.
Benefits of Pediatric Orthodontic Care
Children don’t all grow at the same rate, which means they could display signs of orthodontic irregularities at a younger age. In this case, depending on how severe your child’s condition is, your dentist may choose to monitor it and wait to intervene until your little one is a bit older or choose to intervene immediately.
Benefits of early orthopedic intervention include:
- The increased likelihood of proper jaw growth and aligned teeth.
- The reduced risk of teeth grinding and speech issues.
- The reduced risk of childhood cavities, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.
- The reduced risk of impacted adult teeth.
- The reduced risk of tooth, gum, and jawbone injury.
Stages of Early Orthodontic Care
Your child’s age and development will play into what ‘stage’ of orthopedic care they fall into. The three main age-related stages are:
Stage One (Early Treatment)
The first stage of orthodontic treatment is called early treatment when your child is between 2-6 years old. The main goal of early orthodontic treatment is to provide enough space for your child’s permanent adult teeth to erupt correctly.
The following situations may make a child an ideal candidate for early treatment:
- Children who have difficulty biting properly.
- Children who lose baby teeth early.
- Children whose jaw clicks or grinds during movement.
- Children who use their mouth to breathe as opposed to nose and mouth breathing.
During the early treatment phase, our orthodontists can work with you and your children to reduce harmful habits, such as thumb sucking, and dental appliances may be used to promote jaw growth, prevent shifting, and leave room for adult teeth.
Stage Two (Middle Dentition)
When your child is between the ages of 6 and 12, the main goal of our orthodontic treatment is to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. For instance, we may work with you and your child to realign wayward jaws, correct crossbites, or begin the process of gently straightening misaligned permanent teeth. At this time, we may start discussing braces with you and your little one if necessary.
Stage Three
When your child moves into adolescence (13+), they would fall into the last category of orthodontic care. Now, the main focus becomes straightening your child’s adult teeth or to improve the general appearance of their smile. At this stage, braces become an even greater possibility — whether that be Invisalign or traditional braces.
Early Orthodontics in Anaheim
If a child has a severe orthodontic condition, early intervention is essential for a successful outcome. Waiting to address a serious problem can result in an issue with permanent teeth that requires more than standard orthodontic treatment. In addition, phase one treatment can have a positive impact on jaw growth, correct oral habits, and reduce the need for jaw surgery.
At Starship M Kids Dentistry, we evaluate each child to determine the most appropriate intervention and timing for orthodontics in Anaheim. To book your consultation with our team, contact us at (714) 970-4560 or visit us online.