Written By Kara Masterson / Reviewed By Ray Spotts
Around the age of seven or eight is when it’s generally recommended a child be seen by an orthodontist. Your child will have a mix of baby and mature teeth by then, and the orthodontist will have an idea of how your child’s teeth are coming in. Within reason, the earlier your child sees an orthodontist the better, and below are a few reasons why.
Monitor Your Child for Problems
An orthodontist will examine your child's jaw growth and see if there are any incoming problems. In many cases, early assessment means that problems can be addressed before they become serious. Early orthodontic treatment can also prevent your child's teeth from growing crooked and may eliminate the need for more invasive treatments later.
Correct Bad Habits
There are many bad habits that can ruin your child's smile. This includes things such as thumb-sucking, ice chewing, and tongue pushing. If bad habits are corrected, then your child may not need extensive orthodontic treatments.
Treat Existing Issues
Early orthodontic treatment can prevent common issues from occurring. However, if your child already has tooth alignment issues, then a dentist will likely refer them to an orthodontist. Crooked teeth, gapped teeth, crowding, overbite, and underbites are examples of some of the problems that can be treated by an orthodontist.
Braces are the standard orthodontic treatment for correcting both crooked teeth and misaligned jaws. There are several options to choose from when it comes to the type of braces your child could have, such as clear aligners, traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces.
The orthodontist may also recommend archwires. The archwires are designed to shift the teeth back into the right position. Retainers may be recommended after your child gets their braces off. Retainers are designed to stop your teeth from shifting back into their original position.
Reduce the Need for Permanent Tooth Extraction
Serious orthodontic problems may warrant the need for tooth extraction, such as impacted teeth, teeth that don’t have enough support from the jawbone, or simple overcrowding.
Permanent tooth extraction can be a traumatic experience for a child. However, if your child sees an orthodontist early enough they have a chance of getting their teeth fixed long before tooth extraction becomes a possibility.
Improve Your Child's Smile And Confidence
It is important to have teeth that are lined up properly. Not only does this make it easier for your child to talk and chew, but it also improves their smile. A nice smile helps improve confidence. Everyone is more confident when they like the way that they look.
Early trips to the orthodontist can benefit your child in the long run. An orthodontist can monitor your child for problems. They can also correct bad habits and correct existing issues that your child has.
Your child may not have to get their permanent tooth extracted if they get early treatment. Furthermore, orthodontic treatment can improve your child's confidence and smile.
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Written By:
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.