When Should My Child Begin Orthodontic Treatment?

January 10, 2020
When Should My Child Begin Orthodontic Treatment?

As a parent, you always want the best for your child. This includes their oral health and smile. At Smile Buds Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we often get asked, "When should my child begin orthodontic treatment?" It's a valid question, and the answer might surprise you.

Understanding the Right Age for Orthodontic Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should have their first orthodontic consultation at the age of seven. Why so early? At this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for orthodontists to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.

Early treatment allows orthodontists to guide jaw growth, lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth, correct harmful oral habits, and improve appearance and self-esteem.
It's important to note that early evaluation doesn't mean treatment has to start right away. In many cases, if orthodontic work is needed, we simply monitor your child's growth patterns until we see the optimal time to start treatment.

Types of Orthodontic Problems

Orthodontic problems, also known as malocclusions, can be a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. They can affect your child's ability to clean their teeth, chew food, and can interfere with speech. 

  • Common problems include crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
  • Early orthodontic treatment can prevent more severe problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, can correct issues that may lead to oral health problems in the future. 

  • It can create facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth.
  • It can reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth.
  • It can correct harmful oral habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.

Orthodontic Treatment Options 

At Smile Buds Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer a variety of treatment options tailored to your child's unique needs.

  • Traditional metal braces: These are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before.
  • Clear braces: These are made of clear materials and are less visible on your teeth than metal braces.
  • Invisalign: These are clear, plastic aligners that are virtually invisible. They are also removable, making them an excellent choice for children who play sports or wind instruments.

Orthodontic Treatment in Glassell Park, CA

Every child's dental development is unique, but early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. If you're in Glassell Park, CA, and you're considering orthodontic treatment for your child, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Smile Buds Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Our experienced orthodontists, Dr. Anna Shahinian & Dr. Sia Novshadian, are ready to guide you and your child through this journey. Call us today at (323) 825-8558 to schedule an appointment.

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