Is Your Child Too Young For Braces? Maybe Not.
Have we recommended that your child be evaluated for orthodontic treatment, and you are concerned that they are too young for braces? Long gone are the days when only teenagers wore braces. In fact, patients as young as seven can begin orthodontic treatment, and we are happy to treat patients well into adulthood. Due to advancements in orthodontic technology as well as greater knowledge of what is successful, procedures have changed over time. More patients than ever are receiving early orthodontic treatment. This is beneficial for many reasons. Read on to learn more.
Why We Recommend Early Orthodontic Treatment
Long gone are the days when orthodontic treatment was meant for teenagers only. Now, more children than ever are starting orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children visit an orthodontist starting at age seven. We now offer a two-phase treatment for orthodontic care. With this method, we see children starting as young as seven or eight, and we are looking at the placement of the jaw and bite. When a problem with the jaw is corrected at an early age, a time when the jaw is not yet fused into place and can be moved more easily, it eliminates the need for more extensive treatment later on. Correcting jaw placement early allows the adult teeth to emerge without being crowded or unable to fit in the mouth properly. If necessary, the second phase of treatment occurs after the adult teeth have emerged and improves the placement of the teeth since the jaw has already been moved.
Problems Early Orthodontics Can Correct
As we mentioned above, one of the main reasons we recommend early orthodontic treatment is to correct the placement of the jaw. It can also correct:
- Airway issues
- Severe crowding
- Damage caused by thumbsucking and pacifier use
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
If you are interested in learning more about orthodontic care for your child, teenager, or yourself, be sure to contact our office, which is located in Kewaskum, WI, to schedule an appointment. We are more than happy to evaluate the placement of the teeth and jaw and make the necessary recommendations for treatment. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
