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Why Your Child Can Benefit From Early Orthodontic Treatment

Smiling Kid At Dentist

It’s often a surprise to parents when they get advised to take their child to an orthodontist early in life. When children have reached the age of seven, they should be scheduled to see an orthodontist for the first time. During this visit, the dentist will have a chance to explore the overall health of your child’s oral cavity and catch conditions that can benefit from early treatment. If you’ve had early orthodontic work suggested by your dentist, and are wondering how your child will benefit from it, read on.

What Signs May Indicate My Child Needs Early Orthodontic Work?

There are a number of signs that you can watch for to help you know if you need to take your child to an orthodontist. If you discover any of the below indicators, you should consider scheduling an appointment as soon as possible. Getting treatment for these early can help prevent costly orthodontic work in the future.

  • Milk teeth being lost before your child turns five or after they turn 13.
  • Problems with biting or chewing.
  • Mouth-breathing or snoring.
  • Upper or lower teeth that are protruding
  • Speech impediments
  • Shifting of the jaw when the mouth closes or opens
  • Teeth not lining up when the mouth is closed

Eight Ways Your Child Can Benefit From Early Orthodontic Work

There are multiple ways your child can benefit from orthodontic work done early in life.

  • It reveals issues with the development of your child’s permanent teeth. Catching concerns early will help them develop appropriately.
  • Poor dental habits, such as tongue thrusting or tongue sucking, can be caught and corrected before they cause lasting damage.
  • Underbite, overbite, and crossbite can lead to serious problems with the jaw, leading to dysfunction and TMJ issues. Getting orthodontic issues handled early ensures that teeth and jaw develop properly, avoiding these issues.
  • It can ensure that patients’ mouths have room for permanent teeth without future orthodontic care. Results are achieved faster and easier with primary teeth still in place, and the softness of the unfinished jaw responds better to adjusting teeth placement.
  • It addresses concerns with palatal expansion, which can lead to teeth not erupting or erupting crooked. Problems with a narrow jaw can be corrected early in life to ensure there are no issues later.
  • Teeth that are protruding can be corrected, preventing damage caused by their being out of position.

Getting your child started with orthodontic care early is an excellent way of preparing for a future with good oral health. If you’ve noticed any of the above concerns, pick up the phone and make a call to Dr. Swati Singh at Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Indianapolis, IN today. You’ll be scheduled for an appointment and consultation on your child’s oral health. If any orthodontic concerns are discovered, a treatment plan will be discussed, and the next steps that suit you and your child will be determined. Don’t let orthodontic concerns cause problems later, start with early orthodontic treatment today.