According to dental experts, a child should undergo orthodontic screening at the age of 7. This means that the earlier you care about the dental health of your child the better their overall oral health in the future. Dental issues can result in severe health problems when not treated promptly.
Also, a visit to an Irving Texas orthodontist early is not only about straightening crooked teeth. Early visits can help a child have a beautiful, healthy smile forever. This is particularly true if treatment is started at a young age when a child still has growing teeth and a developing jaw. Early intervention can correct dental problems and prevent serious ones from arising later.
Kinds of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Usually, dental braces are what comes to mind when you think about orthodontic treatment. However, there are other options available for children to address different dental concerns.
- Metal braces. These orthodontic devices are made of quality metal and are quite durable. They are more affordable than other kinds of braces.
- Space maintainers. Such devices hold a space open, ensuring the teeth grow properly. They are especially essential for kids who lose baby teeth early. Space maintainers can prevent adjacent teeth from moving toward the space and causing dental issues in the future.
- Expanders. These devices help widen a child’s palate and create more room for their teeth. This can benefit kids who have narrow or crowded teeth. They can help prevent the need for jaw surgery or tooth removal.
- Invisalign. If metal braces do not appeal to a child, Invisalign can be a more suitable option.
How Early Orthodontic Care Benefits Children
Parents always prioritize the happiness of their children. Early dental care and orthodontic treatment are important to the overall health of a child. Early orthodontic care offers the following benefits:
- Improved oral health. Properly aligned teeth improve oral hygiene. Crowded teeth let bacteria hide in areas that are difficult to reach and clean. Teeth misalignment can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Reduced risk of mouth injury. Crooked teeth can be prone to damage or injury. If teeth are misaligned or stick out, they can be knocked out or chipped.
- Improved self-confidence. Self-confidence can positively affect the emotions, relationships, and social interactions of a child. Kids with healthy teeth and gums can feel great about themselves.
- Improved speech. Poorly aligned teeth can lead to speech difficulties. They can interfere with the tongue’s proper functioning, making it hard to articulate sounds correctly. Early orthodontic treatment can correct misalignments, improving speech and communication.
- Improved overall health. Heart disease, some cancers, or stroke are associated with poor oral health. Getting straighter teeth reduces the risk of dental issues that can result in serious health problems.
- Reduced oral discomfort. Underbites, overbites, and teeth misalignment can make chewing uncomfortable. Discomfort and pain can be minimized by aligning teeth properly.
- Long-term cost savings. Getting early orthodontic treatment can prevent the need for complex dental procedures. Thus, orthodontic care is an investment in a child’s future oral health.
How to Know a Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment
Parents should be aware of the signs that their children need early orthodontic care. Every child is unique, but it’s best to see an orthodontist. Your child may need to see an orthodontist soon if they have difficulty chewing or biting food. This can be due to bite or misalignment problems that benefit from early orthodontic intervention.
Also, if a child older than five is still thrusting their tongue or sucking their thumb, this can be a red flag.
Such habits can affect tooth alignment and jaw development over time, possibly requiring orthodontic correction. Parents must keep an eye on abnormalities in their child’s speech patterns. If the child cannot pronounce some wounds, this could be due to underlying alignment or jaw problems that an orthodontist can correct.
