Early Orthodontic Treatment
When it's time for your child to see an orthodontist, you want the best care possible. At Vincelli Orthodontics, we offer various orthodontic services for both children and teens. But at what age should your child begin orthodontic treatment?
When should your child begin orthodontic treatment?
The American Dental Association and the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommend that children begin their orthodontic treatment at the age of seven. So, why is this the recommended age?
By this age, a child's first adult molars have started to erupt, which allows our orthodontist to evaluate the alignment of the teeth and jaw and look for potential problems. For example, crowding can occur when there isn't enough space for the adult teeth to come in. This can be uncomfortable and painful and affect the appearance of their smile. With early intervention, we can address these issues before they affect the function of the mouth and teeth.
Your Child’s First Orthodontic Evaluation
Once your child begins to lose their baby (primary) teeth and the permanent adult teeth start to erupt, it’s time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Most children are around the age of six when this happens and the initial orthodontist visit should happen no later than age seven.
During this first visit, the orthodontist will evaluate your child’s developing teeth, gums, and jaws. Certain orthodontic issues, like crooked teeth, may be visible right away, but other problems might be hidden.
The orthodontist can identify early signs of more serious issues, from improper jaw formation and bite misalignments to overcrowded or gapped teeth. Once the evaluation is complete, the orthodontist will recommend a treatment plan to address any potential issues.
Some kids may need immediate intervention, like the extraction of primary teeth or the use of dental appliances like braces. Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment, but an orthodontic evaluation is the best way to identify potential issues as mouths and teeth grow.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
There are a few potential benefits to early orthodontic treatment. These include:
- Early detection of orthodontic issues: We are able to detect potential dental issues early on and take the necessary preventive measures before complications arise. This can save time and money later on.
- Guiding growth of the teeth and jaw: Your child's jaw is still growing, and with early orthodontic care, we can identify any potential issues with the growth and development of the jaw and teeth. This includes issues with overcrowding, crossbites, overbites, and underbites.
- Early treatment options: If orthodontic treatment is needed, more options may be available to correct problems at a younger age.
- Help achieve optimal oral health: With early orthodontic treatment, we can help improve your child's overall oral health. This is because straighter teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.
While all kids lose teeth at slightly different rates, you should consider scheduling an appointment with our Calgary & Canmore orthodontist once your child is seven years old. We offer early orthodontic evaluations and treatment plans suited to their needs.