Your Child’s First Orthodontic Exam
Did you know that children should have their first orthodontic exam no later than the age of seven? While pediatric dentists focus on the health of the teeth and gums, orthodontists focus on the growth and development of the teeth and jaw.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?
Children should visit an orthodontist by the age of seven to assess potential tooth and jaw problems. Early orthodontic treatment is advantageous because a young child’s teeth have not finished erupting, which allows orthodontists to guide the growth of facial and jawbones to address any problems at the earliest stage possible.
The goal of early treatment is to prevent a developing problem, eliminate the cause, and guide the growth of the facial and jawbones to prepare enough space for permanent teeth. A patient may require a second course of treatment after all permanent teeth have come in to move those teeth into their best positions.
An orthodontist may recommend treating a child who still has their baby teeth if they discover the following issues:
- Underbites when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth
- Crossbites when the jaw shifts to one side
- Crowded front teeth
- Teeth that are spaced too far apart
- Extra or missing teeth
- Teeth that meet abnormally, or do not meet at all
- Thumb,Finger, or Pacifier sucking that affects the teeth or jaw growth
While some of these issues are inherited, others may result from accidents, dental disease, sports injuries, or abnormal swallowing. Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms, and each plan will consider the patient’s oral growth and development. The orthodontist could prescribe a fixed or removable appliance to change the position of the jaw, move teeth, or hold teeth in place to see desirable changes. Sometimes appliances are not necessary, and rather, the removal of baby teeth may help the permanent teeth erupt better.
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408-253-8150