An orthodontist ensures your teeth and jaws are aligned correctly and gives you the smile you’ve always wanted. Many teenagers and adults visit orthodontists for the treatment of malocclusion. But what about children?
In this article, you’ll find the best age to take your kids to get an orthodontic assessment.
Orthodontic Assessments of Children
Regarding orthodontic treatments such as braces, we mostly see teens and sometimes even adults getting those treatments. But there are numerous reasons why you should schedule your child’s orthodontic examination far earlier.
Early orthodontic intervention, a.k.a. phase one orthodontics, can be carried out while some baby teeth are still present. Orthodontists will examine your kid to see whether early intervention is necessary to avoid the need for more complex and sometimes costly procedures in the future.
It’s a good idea to discuss getting your child evaluated with your trusted dentist or orthodontist if you notice anything concerning.
When Should You Take Your Child for Orthodontic Assessment?
Orthodontic procedures and treatments usually take a lot of time to work and deliver the desired results. The orthodontist uses force, pressure, and specific tools to realign and move teeth in these treatments.
Orthodontists recommend having the initial orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. The reason is that many orthodontic problems are easier to treat in young kids. At this time, it is possible to address the crowding of the teeth and other issues related to the emergence and positioning of the permanent teeth.
When the child’s jaw is still developing and all of their permanent teeth have not erupted, the repositioning procedure becomes more straightforward and takes less time. For example, a palatal expander can successfully treat some forms of crossbite in children. However, an older patient may need oral surgery to correct the malocclusion.
When problems are addressed at a young age, several less intrusive treatment options are available. Early detection and treatment of orthodontic issues that may affect chewing, speech development, facial symmetry, or difficulty in teeth cleaning are better for the child’s overall oral health in the long run.
Sooner is Better
Your child will have the first set of molars, sometimes called the six-year molars, and some permanent front teeth around the age of six or seven. Our orthodontist can predict how your child’s bite will change when these teeth erupt.
Phase one orthodontic treatments or interceptive orthodontics may be suggested if the orthodontist spots any potential problems.
The early orthodontic assessment aims to identify tooth growth, development, or eruption issues when your child’s teeth and jawbones are still malleable and receptive to treatment, ensuring speedy results.
Children who undergo phase one orthodontic operations may eventually require braces or other orthodontic equipment, but those treatments are often less time-consuming, less complex, and less expensive.
Signs Your Child Requires Orthodontic Care
Significant signs that indicate your child requires early orthodontic care include:
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crooked teeth
However, sometimes, the symptoms could be less noticeable. These include speech issues, shifting or loud jaws, teeth grinding, inner cheek biting, infant tooth loss that doesn’t occur at the usual age range, and mouth breathing. Moreover, orthodontic treatments can also help if your child has problems with facial symmetry and possibly harmful oral habits like thumb sucking.
Phase One Orthodontics in Newport, NSW, Australia
Do you think your child needs an orthodontic evaluation?
Visit Newport Dental Centre! We have a team of highly skilled dentists and orthodontists who can conduct oral examinations and offer the right orthodontic treatments to your child in Newport, NSW, Australia.
Contact us today and book your appointment.
Dr. Dhrupad Patel, a dedicated dentist in Newport, focuses on restoring oral health for the local and Northern Beaches community. With a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and accreditation from the Australian Dental Board, Dr. Dhrupad Patel excels in surgical procedures and smile design. Outside of work, he enjoys photography, travel, cricket, and F1.
