Getting the right treatment in time is sometimes as important as getting the treatment at all. You see, some diseases cannot be reversed but they can definitely be stopped, which is why, when you stop them, makes all the difference in the world. Getting an orthodontic treatment early on can make a world of difference in one’s teeth alignment, which will drastically impact their quality of life for years to come.
Even though they’ll lose their baby teeth fairly soon, it’s important to stress that there’s more to this than just teeth. Misalignment of one’s bite will carry on into the future and the sooner you start with braces, the less likely it is that this will become a serious issue. Now, depending on the severity of the bite and the issue causing misalignment of teeth, the right age to start will differ, as well. Here’s how to know when the time is right for your kid to start orthodontic treatment.
What is early orthodontic treatment?
Before we can discuss the necessity and the ideal timeline behind an early orthodontic treatment, it’s essential that we define what “early” means in this context. This is a pre-braces period when a child is 8-10 years old.
The reason why it’s so effective is due to the fact that their teeth and jaws are “softer” which makes them easier to manipulate. Seeing as how the regenerative properties of the body are the strongest when we’re young, this is when the orthodontic procedure has the most effect.
Another question that people are troubled by is – how early is it too early for a child to get braces? Between the ages of 8 and 10, your child is old enough for the orthodontist to make an evaluation, as well as make a decision if they need early treatment. Remember that here, their expertise makes all the difference, seeing as how they need to take into account both the existing teeth and those that are yet to break out.
What are some of the early signs?
It’s far more reliable for you to make a decision based on the early signs rather than their age or just baseless assumptions. For instance:
- The early loss of baby teeth (before the age of five) is one of the signs that your kid might need early orthodontic treatment.
- If you notice that their teeth do not meet properly when biting. You may come to suspect this while observing them eat but you can test it out to see if that’s the case.
- Protruding front teeth, the fact that their jaw shifts when they open the mouth, or the fact that their front teeth are crowded may also be strong indicators.
- Aside from this, a speech impediment may also be an indicator (although there are alternative reasons for this, as well). Mouth breathing, or even snoring, may also be an early tell.
According to the veteran orthodontist from Penrith, if any of the above-listed is true, it might be worth your while to get your kid for a checkup, just in case.
What are the benefits?
We’ve already mentioned that during this period, it’s easier to manipulate the jaw growth and alignment but what are some other advantages of starting orthodontic treatment early?
First of all, the orthodontic treatment enables you to have straighter teeth. This means better speaking capabilities, a lower likelihood to develop infections and cavities, a more aesthetic smile, and an easier time chewing or biting. From the perspective of dental hygiene, straighter teeth are easier to clean. This means better oral hygiene, better dental health, and less time spent on achieving both.
The truth is that you have some time, you do not have to start when they’re 9, seeing as how their bones won’t harden until they’re in their late teens. However, the thing that’s the most advantageous here is the fact that everything is done simpler and easier. The procedures work faster, which means that your child doesn’t as to endure it for too long.
Also, young kids often take instructions for granted, so if a person with authority (an orthodontist or a parent) tells them something, they’re likely to abide. Most importantly, this is one of the best ways for them to develop a healthy habit.
There’s one more thing worth keeping in mind. While some braces are incredibly aesthetic, a lot of kids are still uncomfortable wearing them, and they make some teens self-conscious about them. Why not avoid this altogether by solving this issue while they’re still too young to be bothered by this?
What is an orthodontist looking for?
So, even if you do decide to take your kid to an orthodontist at the age of 8, 9, or 10, what is there for an orthodontist to see? After all, their jaw will grow, its alignment might, potentially, change and their teeth are probably still not completely replaced.
Well, past the age of 8, your kid might already have its first permanent molars. These are the flat teeth at the back of your mouth. By observing molars, your orthodontist will be able to keep an eye on the development of the so-called bad bite. By examining the incisors (crowding, deep bites, cross bites, or open bites), they’ll be able to notice whether malocclusion is developing.
Keep in mind that an orthodontist specializing in children has a way of telling how things are going to develop. This is why they’re so great at creating a long-term treatment plan.
In conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s never too early to start focusing on your children’s dental health. However, if you’re looking at the potential orthodontic treatment, you should at least wait until the age of 8. Then, you need to start paying attention to some of the early signs and talk to the professional. Aside from this, your children’s diet and your kids’ dental care are completely up to you. Most importantly, they will most certainly affect all that we’ve talked about.
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