The Case For Early Orthodontic Treatment
As your child’s teeth start to come in, you may notice overcrowded or crooked teeth or that they have an over or underbite. Don’t assume you can wait until they are in their early teens to see an orthodontist. By 7 years old, recommend your child be seen if they are showing signs of orthodontic issues. The chances of correcting overcrowding or a misaligned bite are greater (and treatment is less costly) when orthodontic treatments begin at a younger age.
An early orthodontic intervention can help your child achieve optimal function and appearance of their teeth without having to wait until they are teenagers. Additional benefits of starting treatment early include:
- When spacing is an issue, braces in young children make room for their permanent teeth to come in. If left until they are older, overcrowding leads to having teeth pulled or more lengthy treatment.
- While your child’s facial features and jawbone are still growing, orthodontic treatment allows us to guide the development and correct issues before they have fully formed. Particularly with misaligned bites, such issues can cause jaw pain and issues chewing and eating.
- Overcrowding can promote tooth decay when it makes it difficult to clean between teeth. By shifting the teeth into better alignment, your child can have the benefit of being able to better care for their oral health.
Even if your child is treated with orthodontics early, they may still need more treatment in the future depending on their particular case. But early treatment will likely make future treatments less complex and lengthy.
If you would like your child in Kewaskum, WI to be seen for orthodontic issues, please call our office to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to go over the best options for you and your child.
