When Should My Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This proactive step allows Dr. Kim Young to assess dental development and identify the ideal timing for any necessary treatment. Additionally, many local dentists are trained to recognize potential orthodontic issues and may refer your child earlier if concerns arise.
Why Is Early Evaluation Important?
Conducting evaluations at an early age offers several advantages:
- Guides Tooth Eruption: Early assessments can direct erupting teeth into favorable positions.
- Preserve Space: Maintaining space for permanent teeth reduces the need for future extractions.
- Protects Fragile Teeth: Minimizes the risk of damaging protruded front teeth.
If early treatment is needed, Dr. Young can influence jaw growth and the alignment of incoming permanent teeth, making later treatment easier.
Benefits of Early Treatment
Early orthodontic intervention can:
- Correct Oral Habits: Address thumb-sucking and speech issues.
- Facilitate Development: Regulate dental arch width, ensuring enough space for permanent teeth.
- Simplify Future Treatment: Reduce the complexity of later orthodontic care.
Does Every Child Benefit from Early Treatment?
Not all children need early intervention. Some orthodontic issues are best addressed during the teenage years when all permanent teeth have come in. Dr. Young creates customized treatment plans based on individual assessments. If immediate treatment isn’t required, your child will be placed in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program for monitoring.
What Is the Orthodontic Supervisory Program?
This program is intended for children who may not be ready for treatment yet. It allows us to monitor the growth of permanent teeth and, if necessary, extract baby teeth to promote better alignment. There are no fees for this program, and it usually involves follow-up visits every 6-8 months.
Additional Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Beyond creating a stunning smile, braces contribute to:
- Improved Bite Function: Enhances overall oral functionality.
- Easier Oral Hygiene: Facilitates better cleaning practices.
- Reduced Tooth Wear: Protects against excessive wear, promoting long-term dental health.
Will Early Treatment Prevent Future Braces?
Early intervention can start to fix major orthodontic problems but may not completely align all permanent teeth. Generally, a short phase of comprehensive treatment (Phase II) during the teenage years completes the corrections. In some cases, additional treatment may not be necessary.
Importance of Continued Dental Visits
Regular dental check-ups are essential during orthodontic treatment, ideally every 6 months, to maintain dental health and proper oral hygiene, especially for patients with braces.