Around age 7, the American Association of Orthodontists advises youngsters to visit an orthodontist for the first time. It is because many orthodontic problems can be corrected more quickly when caught early.
It also makes it easier to address problems like crowding. Interceptive orthodontics, at this stage of development, guides the growth of the jaw to accommodate emerging permanent teeth.
Reduces the Risk of Tooth Extractions
One of the essential benefits of early orthodontic treatment is that it can prevent tooth extractions later in life. It is because it can correct problems like crooked teeth, overcrowding, and bite/jaw alignment issues while your child’s jaws and face are still growing.
When left untreated, dental problems can worsen and become more expensive. It also makes your child’s smile less attractive and may cause discomfort and pain.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should make their first appointment with an orthodontist at age seven. It is because, by this time, their first permanent molars and incisors are in place and can give us a good idea of what’s going on with the shape of their mouth and bite.
Early orthodontic care by Bloom Orthodontics can help treat issues like crowded front teeth and other problems that may require tooth extractions. Also, it can raise your child’s confidence and self-esteem while lowering the possibility of permanent teeth being damaged.
Increases Self-Esteem and Confidence
One of the main benefits of early orthodontic treatment is that it can improve your child’s self-esteem and confidence. It is crucial for kids with dental abnormalities like crooked teeth, which can negatively impact their self-image.
Orthodontic treatment can increase your child’s self-esteem and confidence by correcting these issues, allowing them to smile with their best smile. It can help them interact more comfortably with others and have more successful social interactions.
Another benefit of early orthodontic treatment is that it can prevent serious dental problems from developing later in life. It can save your child from undergoing extensive and expensive oral surgery.
Research has shown that patients undergoing early orthodontic treatment have increased their self-esteem and improved their quality of life. Combining treatments, including clear aligners and traditional braces, can achieve these results.
Prevents Damage to Permanent Teeth
The early orthodontic treatment promotes growth modification and expansion of the jaws to accommodate emerging permanent teeth. It can help prevent problems such as overbite, crossbite, and an underbite that could cause future jaw pain and dysfunction.
It also allows for proper palatal expansion that can help eliminate chances of crowding. It also guides the growth of permanent teeth to their desired eruption paths.
Orthodontists can prescribe fixed or removable appliances to move, change, or hold teeth in place during this phase. Sometimes, they can even remove baby teeth for better permanent teeth erupting.
The earlier your child receives orthodontic care, the sooner they can benefit from improved oral health and self-esteem. It can also reduce the need for more invasive procedures later in life and improve their appearance and overall health.
Prevents Speech Issues
Teeth and mouth function are vital to your child’s speech capabilities. Misaligned teeth or an improper bite can make it difficult to say certain words and sounds. Early orthodontic treatment can fix these little teeth or jaw problems and prevent them from becoming significant headaches.
There are many benefits to getting your child’s teeth straightened and jaw appropriately positioned at an early age. These include increased self-esteem, improved oral health, and a better chance of avoiding tooth extractions.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist when your child’s first molars come in. It’s also an excellent time to spot the most common orthodontic issues, such as protruding teeth, misalignment, and overbite, before they get out of hand. Some early warning signs can be corrected by simple measures such as brushing, flossing, and limiting thumb-sucking or sippy cup usage to just before bedtime.
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