Though most parents are aware of the importance of early pediatric dentistry visits and dental care for their children, not as many know about the benefits of an early orthodontic evaluation. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, children should first see the orthodontist between 7-9 years of age. Below are 4 benefits of having an early orthodontic evaluation for your children:
Seeing your orthodontist during the recommended years allows them to evaluate your child’s growth patterns when it comes to the progress of their permanent teeth. It also allows them to predict what type of orthodontic care your child will need and at what age treatment should begin. If it is determined that your child will need more extensive orthodontic care or that they have more complex orthodontic needs, addressing them early means possibly reducing treatment time later in their teenage years. It can also help prevent worse problems before they start.
Your pediatric dentist in Columbus may encourage you to seek out the orthodontic benefits of an early orthodontic evaluation so that preventative measures can be taken to help avoid common issues down the road. For example, an orthodontist can help young patients and their parents understand why thumb-sucking puts added pressure on teeth and provide tips on how to stop the habit. They can also begin to correct jaw positioning, overbites, and other problems that can worsen with time. In addition to these aids, early orthodontic evaluations can help with the emergence of permanent teeth and create patterns for good oral health and hygiene.
Many parents wonder when to get braces for their children to set them up for a beautifully straight smile in adulthood. The truth is, it depends on each child and their unique dental anatomy as to whether or not they’ll need or thrive with orthodontics. While traditional braces may not be necessary at a young age, other orthodontic appliances such as space maintainers to hold room for permanent teeth might be required. Other early intervention appliances include palatal expanders, bite plates, aligners, and headgear. These tools can help to properly shape your child’s mouth and improve jaw alignment before the plates in their bones close. Though getting your children braces at an early age may be required, there are many other options that can help as well.
Orthodontic issues such as tooth overcrowding, crooked or misaligned teeth, improper jaw alignment, and other common orthodontic problems can set the stage for poor oral health as your child grows. Overcrowded teeth can be difficult to floss, allowing cavity-causing bacteria to grow. Improper alignment of the jaws can make opening and closing the mouth painful and may make children avoid proper hygiene habits like regular brushing and flossing. Your pediatric dentist in New Albany may recommend an early orthodontic evaluation to help ensure your child is on track for good oral health as they grow.
Don’t wait to have your child evaluated for orthodontic interventions. Call Hines Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve central Ohio families with gentle, fun, and attentive dental care for children. We will provide a thorough examination and discuss with you any potential problems that may arise in your child’s orthodontic health and the possible treatment options. By finding the right treatment for your child, we can help them obtain and keep that healthy smile as they grow!
Call 614-475-5439 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
