Early Orthodontic Care Is Extremely Important – Here’s Why
While you might be on the fence regarding orthodontic care or you maybe see it as mostly cosmetic, the truth is early orthodontic treatments can help prevent costly issues in the future. Everyone is different, but we tend to see the benefits of early orthodontic treatment in many of our patients. Here’s just a few of the reasons it is so important.
Preventative Orthodontic Treatment
Getting your child into the orthodontist early can save you money down the road. Because your child is still growing, certain adjustments, if caught early, can be made to avoid future treatments. Below are a few examples:
Palate Expander: A palatal expander can be used to widen your child’s jaw to reduce the chance of crowding. This is often recommended when there’s a crossbite or not enough space in the mouth for permanent teeth. Doing this while a child is still growing may prevent the need for tooth extractions, or even surgery if left uncorrected until adulthood.
Interceptive Treatment: Sometimes treatment with braces early on can help to prevent larger issues later.
Removing Teeth: Tooth removal may be the right course of action in cases where removing impacted or baby teeth can help permanent teeth come in closer to their best position.
Schedule a Consultation for Your Child at Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age 7. By this age, your child has enough permanent teeth to spot a problem. An early examination allows the orthodontist to determine how and when a child’s particular problem should be treated for maximum improvement and the best result. The doctor will likely do an intraoral exam, and possibly take x-rays to see what’s going on below the surface of the gums.
Other Reasons to See an Orthodontist
There are other reasons to see an orthodontist besides the things stated above. If you notice your child has difficulty chewing, their teeth aren’t fitting together correctly or they are mouth breathing, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. Even if you can’t see something wrong, most of what’s happening in the mouth is below the surface and an orthodontist will be able to spot the problem with x-rays. It’s also important to note that you don’t need a referral from your dentist. You can skip that step and go straight to booking a consultation with an orthodontist.
Don’t wait to get your child in to see an orthodontist. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation that could save you money and time in the long run.
