Generally, there’s no such thing as “too late” in orthodontics. People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment. However, sometimes, orthodontic treatment is best when done in childhood. As per the recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic consultation by seven years old. Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, and Dr. Skillestad of Smith & Heymann Orthodontics support this recommendation and encourage parents to follow it. Most children don’t need to begin care that young, but for those that do, early orthodontic treatment, or Phase I treatment, can be a literal life-changer. But why is early orthodontic treatment so important? Keep reading to find out!
It Corrects Maloclussions
Malocclusion is a fancy diagnostic word for an oral problem characterized by an irregular bite. It encompasses a few different kinds of bite issues, including the most common types below.
- Overbite: The upper teeth are farther than the lower teeth.
- Underbite: The opposite of an overbite, an underbite is when the lower teeth jut out from the jaw.
- Gapped Teeth: Spaces between the teeth.
- Dental Crowding: Teeth that are too close together.
- Open Bite: Front teeth on both jaws don’t touch when the mouth is closed.
In children, malocclusion is caused by a number of factors, including prolonged thumb-sucking, extended use of pacifiers, genetics, tongue thrusting, and bruxism (teeth grinding). They can cause a whole lot of problems, including mouth breathing, facial asymmetry, and more. Fortunately, they’re treatable.
When you bring your child in for an early orthodontic assessment by age seven, an orthodontist can spot these issues even before they’ve become visible to the untrained eye. We can then take advantage of the natural growing process of children to fix these problems before they worsen or appear.
It Protects Your Child’s Dental Health
These issues are more than just cosmetic, so early orthodontic treatment is not about ensuring they have the best yearbook picture year after year. Alignment issues can cause serious dental health problems if left untreated, including enamel erosion, tooth decay, gum disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and more.
How? Well, teeth and jaws that don’t line up properly can be more difficult to clean, allowing plaque and bacteria to attack the teeth and gums. They’re also more likely to put abnormal pressure on teeth and the temporomandibular joints, wearing down teeth prematurely and causing pain in the jaw.
Additionally, misaligned teeth, especially ones that stick out, are more likely to experience trauma during sports or playtime, increasing your child’s risk of chipped teeth, lost teeth, and other damage.
With early orthodontic treatment, Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, and Dr. Skillestad can diagnose your little one’s smile and correct their bite with the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. This will help make oral hygiene an easier, more beneficial part of their daily routine by improving their alignment (which will, hopefully, make it easier for you to help them develop good oral hygiene habits)!
It Reduces Treatment Costs
Though it might seem like the opposite is true, early intervention can actually shorten the overall duration and complexity of orthodontic care. It reduces the time your child will need to wear braces or other corrective devices during their teenage or adult years, making the entire orthodontic process more efficient and less cumbersome for both the child and the parents. Less time in braces, fewer orthodontic visits, and more straightforward care later on? That’s more money in your family’s pocket and more time for fun.
Bonus: Childhood orthodontic treatment is more likely to be covered by insurance!
Makes Your Child’s Smile More Contagious
There are plenty of reasons why your child smiles, from getting a high score to making a new friend at school. After all, a beautiful smile radiates happiness and joy and signals friendliness and openness. Children with misaligned smiles are more likely to feel self-conscious about their smiles and smile less, negatively impacting their social lives and mental health.
Phase I treatment makes the difference between a poor and fruitful social life. With the knowledge and expertise of Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, and Dr. Skillestad, you can count on us to correct their bite issue and align their teeth. After several months, they can rock their new smile at school and beyond.
Start Early, Get Faster Results
As parents, it’s essential not to overlook your children’s oral health. Early orthodontic treatment can set the foundation for your child’s long-term oral health and confidence. Complete our online form or contact one of our North Carolina Smith & Heymann Orthodontics offices in Durham, Roxboro, Mebane, or Chapel Hill to get your child started on their early orthodontic treatment with a free consultation!
