When does a child need pediatric orthodontics?
Recognizing the right time to consult a pediatric orthodontist is crucial for your child’s oral health. Many children exhibit signs of dental issues, such as crowded teeth or misaligned jaws, at an early age. Parents often notice these concerns during routine activities like eating or speaking.
If your child experiences difficulties with biting, chewing, or speaking, it may indicate underlying orthodontic problems. Such issues can stem from protruding, crowded, or misplaced teeth. Regular dental check-ups every six months are essential, as dentists can identify these signs early and recommend timely orthodontic evaluations.
Delaying a visit to a pediatric orthodontist when these symptoms are present can lead to more severe complications. Misalignments in teeth and jaw structures can affect facial development, potentially resulting in irregularities in the cheekbones and promoting habits like mouth breathing. Addressing these concerns early ensures better outcomes and supports your child’s overall well-being.
When should a child see an orthodontist?
The earlier an orthodontist sees an issue, the faster they can begin a reliable treatment method. The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontist by the age of six or seven. This is around the prime age for teeth development. A pediatric orthodontist can catch your child’s overbite or underbite quite easily at this time. Since the jaws are still growing, the orthodontist can adjust them to prevent long-term harm. If your child does not receive an adjustment like this, they might need surgery as an adult.
The orthodontist may also use space maintainers to preserve your child’s smile. If a child loses a baby tooth, the nearby teeth might fill the gap. This will cause the adult teeth to grow in the wrong spot. For this reason, a space maintainer will keep the location of the lost tooth open to allow proper growth.
Adolescent treatment options
If your child already has their adult teeth, there are still treatment options available. Metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign are some of the most popular treatment options for those who have issues with their adult teeth. Each of these procedures serves to reposition the teeth and correct poor jaw alignment.
Finding a pediatric orthodontist
Regardless of the age of your child, there are always orthodontic treatments available. From preventing the primary teeth from shifting to correct an incorrect bite, pediatric orthodontics is here to help. Correcting issues at a young age will improve your child’s smile and help you avoid more invasive or expensive procedures.
If you notice something off about your child’s smile or if a dentist recommends visiting an orthodontist, please call our office.
