The Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Has your seven- or eight-year-old been recommended for an orthodontic consultation or treatment, and you are concerned that they are too young for treatment? Gone are the days when orthodontic treatment was only for teenagers. Walk into any elementary school, and you will see plenty of children already wearing braces, palate expanders, or other forms of orthodontic hardware. Due to advancements in orthodontic technology as well as greater knowledge of what is successful, things have changed over time. Read on to learn more about why your child may need treatment sooner rather than later.
Why is Early Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
For many years, there was an understanding that children didn’t need to visit an orthodontist until they had lost most of their baby teeth. Now, after seeing better success with other approaches, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children visit an orthodontist starting at the age of seven. When a younger child visits our office for a consultation, we are looking for specific concerns with their mouth. Rather than looking at the teeth, we are more concerned with the placement of the jaw and the bite. When a problem with the jaw is corrected at an early age, when the jaw is not yet fused into place and can be moved more easily, it eliminates the need for more extensive treatment when the child is older. For some children, improving the placement of the jaw now will allow the adult teeth to emerge properly, potentially eliminating the need for braces in the future.
Problems Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Correct
We find that early orthodontic treatment can correct issues such as:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Severe crowding
- Damage caused by thumbsucking and pacifier use
- Airway issues
If you are interested in learning more about orthodontic care for your child or yourself, be sure to contact our office located in Southfield, MI to schedule a consultation. We are more than happy to evaluate the placement of the teeth and jaw and make the necessary recommendations for treatment. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
