At what age shall I take my child to an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child must be taken for their first orthodontic treatment no later than age 7. Orthodontic treatment in the early years can help your child have their teeth positioned properly and encourage jaw growth. It helps to eliminate the need for any complex later treatment and gives them that beautiful, perfectly aligned smile.
What is the importance of early orthodontic treatment?
Many oral health issues can arise from improper teeth alignment. If your child has such teeth, it becomes very tough to clean them properly; thus, they become a site for cavities. Early orthodontic treatment (phase I) is designed to help your child prevent improper growth and promote proper teeth alignment. The exact treatment would depend on the issue that the child is facing.
When to consider early orthodontic treatment?
Getting early orthodontic treatment for your kid is a good idea if their pediatric dentist notices any issues with their jaw or tooth alignment once the permanent teeth have come through. Common concerns that need to be addressed immediately are:
Bite issues
Protruding teeth
Malocclusion
Narrow jaw
Early orthodontic treatment is a great way to improve your child’s teeth alignment, reducing the need for complicated treatments in the future. However, not every child would require early orthodontic treatment but only those with noticeable concerns. Your child’s pediatric dentist will thoroughly check their mouth, take dental x-rays if required and then decide if they really need early orthodontic treatment.
