Is your child seven years old but hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet? Now is a good time.
The sooner your child visits the orthodontist, the earlier you identify the orthodontic issues, and the easier the treatment will be. A skilled orthodontist can perform the interceptive treatment as early as age seven.
Keep scrolling to learn more!
When to Take Your Child to See an Orthodontist?
Many orthodontists prefer to wait until a child is about seven years old for their first appointment before their growth surge and their final baby teeth erupt. An orthodontist can start making plans for orthodontic treatment at this age.
It may include making extra room for teeth when they erupt or putting other procedures in place to control jaw development. Depending on how early you identified the issues and how developed their teeth are, the orthodontist will decide the right time for the kid to begin orthodontic treatment.
The initial examination often involves a comprehensive assessment of the size and position of the jaw bones, the proportions of the face, and the average growth and positioning of the teeth. Your orthodontist will use particular record orthodontic pictures and gauge the position of the jaws and teeth.
They thoroughly examine the mouth, face, and any required x-rays to assess the growth of the teeth and jaw bones.
Appropriate treatment is recommended if there is an orthodontic issue or the possibility of developing any orthodontic problem. The right time for the subsequent orthodontic examination is usually identified when no issues or immediate action is needed.
Children who do not require dental equipment to control their jaw development or to create extra room begin the required treatment between the ages of 11 and 13. Early intervention is often necessary to ensure the best outcome and may even prevent the need for complex surgery or tooth extractions in the future.
Symptoms of Orthodontic Problems in Children
It’s best to take your child to see an orthodontist when they are seven years old, even if they don’t have any signs of orthodontic problems. It will make sure that your child’s mouth is developing correctly.
However, you need to your child for phase one orthodontics if they have one of the following problems:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Upper and lower jaws not aligning properly
- Poor oral habits like thumb sucking or other issues (such as reverse swallowing and tongue thrusting)
- An unusual bite
- Speech difficulties
Some Orthodontic Options for Children
Although your orthodontist will recommend a unique treatment plan for your child, some orthodontic options are commonly used. They include:
- Palate expanders
A palate expander is a device attached to your child’s teeth. It allows the jaw to expand and grow by exerting gentle pressure on the teeth. Palate expanders are recommended if your child has a tiny or narrow jaw, which might obstruct the development of their adult teeth.
- Herbst Appliance
Herbst appliances have two metal hinges connecting a child’s top and bottom jaws. It helps prevent overbites and guarantees proper bite alignment since these hinges stimulate the lower jaw to grow forward.
- Headgear
Severe overbites and underbites can both be treated with orthodontic headgear. A set of headgear can promote healthy dental growth by applying pressure to the jaws and developing teeth.
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 experienced 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.
