As a parent, keeping your child’s teeth and oral health in top condition is likely one of your priorities. We believe early orthodontic assessments are key to catching potential issues early, paving the way for healthier smiles with simpler treatment plans. Here’s what parents in Adelaide should know about early orthodontic care and its benefits.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment focuses on addressing dental and jaw issues in children at a young age. Treatment often begins around age 7 when children’s adult teeth are starting to come in. This stage is crucial because certain bite issues or jaw irregularities are easier to treat and correct while the jaw is still developing.
An early consultation can help identify conditions like crowding, underbites, overbites, and even problems with jaw growth. At Cumberland Dental, we understand that not every child needs braces at this young age, but an early evaluation gives parents a clear understanding of what to expect and can help avoid problems in the future.
Why Start Treatment Early?
1. Guides Jaw and Teeth Development
One of the most significant benefits of early orthodontic treatment is its ability to guide the growth of the jaw and incoming teeth. By guiding jaw development early, orthodontic providers can make space for permanent teeth and prevent overcrowding.
2. Reduces the Risk of Trauma to Protruding Teeth
Children who have protruding front teeth due to an overbite are at higher risk of trauma or injury, particularly during sports or play. Early orthodontic care can reduce the risk of trauma by correcting the alignment of these teeth, helping keep them safer in all of your child’s activities.
3. Improves Oral Habits
Some orthodontic problems stem from habits like thumb-sucking or mouth-breathing, which can lead to complications if they persist. Early intervention can help address these habits and prevent the associated dental issues, such as an open bite or improper tongue positioning, from becoming permanent.
4. Eases Future Treatments
When orthodontic intervention is performed early, it can reduce or simplify future orthodontic treatment. By correcting issues early, children may spend less time in braces or aligners during their teenage years. For example, a child who undergoes early treatment to correct a jaw misalignment might only need minor adjustments with braces as a teenager.
5. Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence
As children enter their preteen years, they can become more self-conscious about their appearance. Correcting noticeable issues, such as a severe overbite or gaps between teeth, can give them confidence in their smile. This self-esteem boost can have a positive impact on their social interactions and school experience.
How to Know if Your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment
If your child is around 7 and you’re unsure about whether they might need orthodontic care, here are some signs to look out for:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth: If your child loses teeth earlier or later than average, it could affect the alignment of their permanent teeth.
- Crowded or misaligned teeth: Overlapping, crowding, or misalignment can indicate the need for orthodontic attention.
- Bite issues: If your child has an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, it may require early correction.
- Mouth breathing: Breathing primarily through the mouth, rather than the nose, may lead to bite problems.
- Difficulty chewing or biting: If your child struggles with biting into or chewing food, it could be a sign of jaw misalignment.
Schedule a meeting with Cumberland Dental today where we can address these concerns early on and determine if early orthodontic care could benefit their child.
What to Expect During an Early Orthodontic Consultation
At Cumberland Dental, we make the initial consultation as smooth and comfortable as possible for both parents and children. During this visit, Dr Jack, will assess your child’s teeth, jaw alignment, and facial structure. Based on our orthodontic findings, we will discuss if your child would benefit from early treatment and what that might involve, or if monitoring is the best course of action.
Common Early Orthodontic Treatments
Early treatment can involve a range of interventions, depending on the specific needs of each child:
- Expanders: Palatal expanders are commonly used to widen the upper jaw, creating more room for teeth to grow in a healthy alignment.
- Space maintainers: If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely, space maintainers can keep the gap open for the adult tooth, preventing misalignment.
- Partial braces: Some children benefit from partial braces on specific teeth to guide alignment early.
The Role of Parents in Early Orthodontic Care
Parents play a critical role in the success of early orthodontic treatment. Encouraging your child to follow the orthodontist’s recommendations, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending regular check-ups all contribute to achieving the best results. At Cumberland Dental, we are here to support both you and your child throughout this journey, providing you with expert advice and answering any questions along the way.
Conclusion
Early orthodontic treatment can make a significant difference in your child’s oral health and overall well-being. If you’re a parent in Adelaide and wondering whether your child could benefit from early orthodontic care, be sure to schedule an initial consultation!
Visit Cumberland Dental to learn more about early orthodontic treatments or call us at 08 8271-6233 to book your child’s consultation. Our friendly team is here to help guide you and your child toward a healthier smile today!
