Many parents believe evaluation and treatment by an orthodontist should not be scheduled until after a child has lost all of their baby teeth, usually in the preteen or early teenage years. In addition, some view orthodontics as a purely aesthetic treatment and often-desired but not truly necessary. However, most dental professionals recommend that parents bring their child in for an initial exam at a young age. Children and adults who do not see an orthodontist for evaluation and potential treatment are at risk for developing serious conditions beyond just a crooked set of teeth.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children who display the signs of future orthodontic issues be seen by the age of seven. This is much younger than many parents assume treatment should begin but can be vital in a young patient's treatment plan and outcome. Young children whose upper and/or lower jaw are not growing or shaping properly can utilize early intervention devices to help prevent the need for future surgeries.
For many patients, headgear worn at home can help with an underbite, while a retainer-like appliance called a bionator can help treat severe overbite in young children. These devices can also help permanent teeth grow in properly, making alignment treatments, such as braces or clear aligner trays, much easier in the future.
There are several reasons parents should not dismiss orthodontic treatment for their children. While many of the negative side effects impact children immediately, other conditions can develop or worsen over time.
A crooked smile can be unsightly and impact children for the rest of their lives. Poor alignment can negatively impact self-esteem, affecting social and professional relationships and opportunities. In addition, gaps caused by crooked teeth can continue to shift and worsen over time.
Poor alignment is either caused by or can often lead to improper bite formation. In these cases, the teeth have shifted and do not meet properly for effective biting and chewing. This issue can lead to more serious problems of the jaw down the road.
When crooked teeth or an improperly shaped jaw result in poor bite alignments, this can create tension and pain in the jaw. The condition may often worsen over time and could lead to the development of TMJ or other serious conditions. In some cases, surgery is needed to correct the problem and relieve chronic pain.
While most traditional orthodontic treatments do not begin until all baby teeth have fallen out, parents of children with orthodontic issues should not wait until this stage to seek initial evaluation. By seeing an orthodontist by age seven, the development of serious alignment issues can be prevented through early treatment. In addition, addressing the issues at a young age can help make future treatment with braces or other aligners more efficient and less invasive. No matter what the age of the patient, orthodontic treatment should not be neglected, as teeth alignment issues can lead to serious complications.
Request an appointment here: https://www.orthoisfun.com or call Henry Orthodontics at (910) 685-7395 for an appointment in our Pinehurst office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontist in Pinehurst, NC.
Invisalign® has changed how willing teenagers –– and everyone else –– are to start teeth straightening treatments. It provides an alternative to traditional metal braces that is virtually impossible to detect. Invisalign® treatments work the same way conventional braces work, the aligner trays exert a force on the patient's teeth pushing their teeth into better…
Clear braces for teens and traditional braces are two popular options for teenagers who need teeth straightening treatments. Braces are the first effective procedure for straightening teeth and have been used since the 1800s.Virtually everyone on the planet grew up with someone who wore braces, and that is a testament to how effective these devices…
Dental professionals generally recommend a child should see an orthodontist at or around age 7. However, in the presence of a confirmed or suspected orthodontic issue, it is appropriate for a younger child to make a visit. The importance of preserving and maintaining a child's oral health cannot be overstated. Therefore, the task of choosing…
Most parents are familiar with traditional orthodontic treatment that usually starts when a child hits adolescence. Typically, orthodontics are needed to correct gaps, bite issues or crowding issues. However, in some cases, early orthodontic treatment may be needed. Early orthodontic treatment is not limited to one type. Each child has varying needs that serve as the…
Invisalign® has changed how willing teenagers –– and everyone else –– are to start teeth straightening treatments. It provides an alternative to traditional metal braces that is virtually impossible to detect. Invisalign® treatments work the same way conventional braces work, the aligner trays exert a force on the patient's teeth pushing their teeth into better…
Clear braces for teens and traditional braces are two popular options for teenagers who need teeth straightening treatments. Braces are the first effective procedure for straightening teeth and have been used since the 1800s.Virtually everyone on the planet grew up with someone who wore braces, and that is a testament to how effective these devices…