Orthodontic care for children is an essential step toward ensuring good lifelong oral health. While many parents often wonder about the right time to start orthodontic treatment, early detection and intervention can prevent complex dental issues down the line.
Understanding when and why to begin early orthodontic treatment is crucial for making informed decisions about your child’s dental future. In this article, we will discuss the best age to begin orthodontic treatment and why it is important.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is a type of orthodontic care that involves addressing dental issues in children at an early age.
This approach allows dentists to identify and correct any problems before they become more severe or harder to treat. It typically involves using braces, retainers, or other appliances to guide the growth and development of the teeth and jaws.
Why Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Important?
There are several reasons why starting orthodontic treatment early can be beneficial for your child’s oral health.
- Preventing Future Dental Issues: One of the main goals of early orthodontic treatment is to prevent future dental problems from developing. By addressing issues such as misaligned teeth, crowding, and bite problems early on, you can potentially avoid more complex and costly treatments in the future.
- Improving Oral Health: Crooked or crowded teeth can be challenging to clean properly, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Early orthodontic treatment can straighten your child’s teeth and improve their overall oral hygiene, reducing their risk of developing cavities or gum disease.
- Boosting Self-Esteem: Having a straight smile not only improves your child’s physical health but can also help boost their self-esteem and confidence. By addressing any issues with their teeth early on, you can prevent your child from feeling self-conscious about their smile and improve their overall well-being.
What Is the Best Age to Begin Orthodontic Treatment?
If you’re wondering when to start orthodontic treatment for your child, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This is because most children’s permanent teeth have started to come in by this point, allowing dentists to spot any potential problems early on.
However, every child is different, and the best age for orthodontic treatment may vary depending on individual factors such as dental development and family history. Your child’s dentist or orthodontist will be able to determine the best time to begin treatment based on their unique needs.
Early check-up allows orthodontists to identify potential issues such as crowding, bite misalignments, and jaw growth discrepancies. Factors that determine the best age to begin treatment include the child’s dental development, specific orthodontic problems, and overall oral health.
Generally as a rule though, the age for orthodontic treatment starts around 7.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Edmondson and Dr. Doleac, board-certified orthodontists with decades of experience, emphasize the importance of early orthodontic care.
Dr. Edmondson believes, “Early treatment helps guide the development of your child’s jaw and teeth, preventing more serious issues down the line.”
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Starting orthodontic treatment at the right age offers several advantages:
- Improved Oral Health and Hygiene: Early intervention can guide the growth of the jaw and the incoming permanent teeth, reducing the risk of more severe problems later.
- Prevention of Future Problems: Addressing issues early on can lead to a simpler treatment process and reduce the need for more invasive procedures in the future.
- Reduced Treatment Time and Cost: By tackling orthodontic problems early, the duration and cost of treatment are often reduced.
Understanding Different Orthodontic Treatments for Children
Here at Magic Smiles in Portland, we offer a range of orthodontic treatments tailored to children’s needs.
These include:
- Spark Clear Aligners: Ideal for young patients who require discreet treatment.
- Self-Ligating Braces: These braces use a sliding mechanism to reduce discomfort and decrease treatment time.
- Clear Ceramic Braces: A less noticeable option for traditional braces.
Advanced technology, such as the iTero Element Scanner and Propel Orthodontics, ensures precise and effective treatments.
Ready to Start Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment provides numerous benefits for children’s oral health and self-confidence. By starting at the recommended age, parents can help their children avoid more complex dental issues in the future.
If you’re considering orthodontic care for your child, schedule a consultation to explore the best treatment options. For those in Portland and Beaverton, Magic Smiles offers comprehensive evaluations with Dr. Edmondson and Dr. Doleac, who are committed to crafting beautiful, lasting smiles.
Contact us today to ensure your child’s dental health is in expert hands.