With numerous treatment options for young adults, adults, and kids to rectify their smile, jaw shape, and teeth alignment, orthodontic treatments have become the new-age solution for several such problems. However, numerous parents frequently question the safety of orthodontics for their children. Based on guidelines from Orthodontics Australia and the American Association of Orthodontists, the best age to see an orthodontist to first consult your child’s teeth is after he or she reaches the age of seven.
Since the identification of several dental problems can occur at this age, orthodontists can take suitable measures. These measures can correct the child’s teeth or jaw alignment, over or underbite problems and similar problems appropriately.
Why is 7 the Best Age to See an Orthodontist?
Address damage originating from harmful habits
If your child sucked, or still sucks, his or her thumb, the upper teeth may protrude while the lower ones will tip back. This habit can affect the development of their upper palate and consequently, how their teeth come in. Fortunately, an orthodontist can help rectify those habits.
Direct Tooth Eruption
When the orthodontist takes x-rays, he can view your child’s un-erupted teeth and their position beneath the gum line. If it seems that the teeth lack room to come in or they will erupt at odd angles, a suitable treatment plan will generate the right environment for an eruption. This can have a considerable impact on the future treatment and overall outcomes. Seven is the best age to see an orthodontist as this will give the orthodontist time to view the teeth before they emerge.
When sufficient space is created, there’s a high likelihood the orthodontist won’t need to extract the permanent teeth.
Make Space for Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth can arise due to jaws that aren’t big enough to accommodate new teeth. These could be permanent teeth or extremely big teeth, due to the premature loss of baby teeth.
When your child loses a primary tooth early because of decay or injury, the neighbouring teeth will tend to fill in that space. This could hinder the proper eruption of the permanent tooth and cause crowding. Depending on the extent of space loss, the orthodontist could simply wait and observe. Or, they may use appliances to hold or regain space.
Boost self-esteem
Having a jaw imbalance, spacing, crowded, or crooked teeth can make your child feel self-conscious throughout the formative years. When a child likes their smile and feels good about themselves, they will have higher self-confidence.
Orthodontic treatment for children can be very important, but numerous parents might not recognise the best age to see an orthodontist for the first time. While age seven might seem young, it’s best to visit an orthodontist as early as possible before existing problems worsen. Additionally, your orthodontist will be able to set the best plan of action in place early, whether that be preventative measures, braces or Invisalign for children.
Book an assessment for your child’s teeth and jaws at Medland Orthodontics in Brisbane or the Gold Coast today.
