For adults in a chaotic-world, maintaining a healthy and radiant smile is an important component for their confidence. When their schedule becomes filled with tasks and errands that overwhelm them or cause anxiety, at least they can smile in the face of adversity.
But proper dental health and oral integrity beings early in their adolescence with dental hygiene and frequent checkups. If you are the parent or guardian of a young child, here is what you need to know about childhood orthodontics.
Prepare Early
Early developmental orthodontics appointments are imperative for dental integrity later in life. Common problems, such as misalignment, crowding, uneven bite and protruding teeth, can be thwarted with regular checkups and professional care.
For parents that want the best for their child’s future, proper tooth growth and alignment are an absolute must. When a child’s teeth become crooked or overcrowded, it becomes difficult to clean and scrub hard-to-reach areas.
While this may not seem like a big deal, it can lead to serious — and expensive — problems in the future. Here are some common side effects your child may experience as they become older:
- Chipping
- Crossbite
- Cavities
- Uneven tooth deterioration
- Mouth breathing
- Grinding
- Jaw clenching
- Speech problems
As you can clearly see, maintaining a relationship with your child’s orthodontist is crucial for future dental health. By investing in your child’s oral integrity early in their developmental years, you avoid serious complications in the years to come.
Treatments and Solutions
If your orthodontist sees that your child has an issue within their mouth, they can begin customizing an approach to remedy the situation. The main goal of the orthodontist is to create room for the child’s teeth to grow and expand as their jaw and skull develop.
By preserving the integrity of their mouth, adequate and healthy growth patterns can occur in the months and years to come. Here are some common tactics that an orthodontist will perform to make this possible:
- Braces
- Bridges
- Lingual braces
- Elastics
- Retainers
As you can see, a seasoned orthodontist has seen it all: From crooked teeth to misaligned jaws, their years of expertise will allow your child to have a comfortable and smooth transition into their teen and adult years.
When Should I Take My Child To See an Orthodontist?
While the age to see an orthodontist for the first time may vary by a few years, most healthcare professionals agree that 7-years old is appropriate. At this age, your child’s mouth, teeth and jaw are beginning to align and sit in fixed positions. This age is also around the time that young children are reaching for sugary snacks and fizzy drinks, which cause decay.
Similarly, around 7-years old is when your child will develop their molars. This is a crucial time in a young one’s life as it dictates how their backbite will form in the months and years to come. The development of the molars dictates the entire relationship that the teeth will have in the child’s mouth. If these molars are misaligned, it can wreak havoc on the front teeth and overall development.
Reach Out Today
If your child is approaching 7-years of age, or you suspect they have a dental misalignment, contacting an orthodontist is a must! We encourage you to invest in your child’s future by scheduling their first Orthodontic exam at West U Smiles!
