When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?
The primary purpose of orthodontic treatment is to prevent and correct bite abnormalities. Several causes, including genetics, early loss of primary (baby) teeth, and harmful dental practices, may all contribute to such anomalies (such as thumb sucking and developmental problems). Orthodontic abnormalities might be present at birth or develop later in infancy. Straight teeth can reduce the incidence of dental decay and childhood periodontal disease, but crooked teeth reduce self-esteem and make good oral hygiene harder.
What specifically is the aim of orthodontic treatment?
The goal of orthodontic therapy is to develop a healthy, functional bite that is a combination of tooth alignment and jaw position. When the jaws and teeth line up properly, they can function as nature intended. This benefits both oral health and overall physical well-being. The fact that orthodontic treatment results in a more appealing smile are an added plus.
Conditions That Might Need Early Orthodontic Treatment
A thorough orthodontic examination will disclose how your child's teeth and mouth are developing and will allow your orthodontist to perform interceptive therapy. These are the types of dental and bite issues that may necessitate early intervention:
- Bite-sized pieces
- Deep bites
- Crossbites
- Overjets
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Teeth that do not erupt in the proper order
- Teeth loss
- Ankylosed teeth
What is the source of my child's orthodontic issues?
The majority of orthodontic issues are hereditary. Some are acquired, such as thumb or finger sucking, mouth breathing, dental disease, atypical swallowing, poor oral cleanliness, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and inadequate nutrition. A hereditary orthodontic condition is sometimes compounded by an acquired problem. Whatever the source, orthodontists are usually able to successfully cure the majority of disorders.
What is the appropriate age for orthodontic treatment?
There is no single chronological age at which orthodontic treatment should begin. However, there is an optimal time to begin treatment for someone who requires it. The type of condition that the child has or may develop, as well as the child's stage of dental development, affects the timing. Some individuals may merely need tooth movement, but others may require assistance in regulating the growth of their jaws or correcting a sucking habit or aberrant swallowing pattern that can reshape the bone.
Advantages of Orthodontic Treatment
- Determine a more accurate prognosis for the development of permanent teeth.
- Correct habits that may be contributing to developmental issues, such as thumbsucking or tongue pushing.
- Correct bite issues such as an open bite, crossbite, or deep bite.
- To accommodate emerging teeth, guide the jaw's expansion.
- Reduce the possibility of injury to any projecting teeth.
- Enhance your child's physical attractiveness and self-esteem.
- Make a more aesthetically acceptable and useful arrangement of your teeth, lips, and face.
- Reduce the need for future, potentially more intrusive dental repair.
Even if your child does not require orthodontic treatment right away, an orthodontic consultation will reveal how an orthodontist can assist your child if future treatment is required.
We hope this blog has helped you learn about orthodontic treatment. If you are searching for the best orthodontic treatment for your children in Tinley Park, IL, our Dentists at Joyful Smiles Pediatric Dentistry (Tinley Park) can help. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible to set up an appointment.
