According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it’s recommended that all children be screened by an orthodontist by the age of seven. Simply put, it’s never too early to care for your child’s dental health. Dental problems can lead to serious health issues if not treated on time.
Plus, early orthodontic treatment can do more than straighten crooked teeth. It can help your child have a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. This is especially true if you start treatment at a young age when a child’s jaw is still developing, and their teeth are still growing. Early intervention can correct minor dental issues and prevent severe problems from developing later.
However, there’s more to orthodontic care than just straight teeth. Follow along for nine benefits of early orthodontic treatment for your child. From improved dental health to increased self-confidence, you’ll discover why investing in your child’s dental health can pay off in the long run.
Types of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Braces are often the first thing that comes to mind when considering orthodontic treatment. However, they’re not the only option available for children. In fact, several types of early orthodontic treatment can help address various dental issues in children.
One common type of early orthodontic treatment is the use of space maintainers. These devices help ensure teeth grow properly by holding a space open. This is particularly important for children who have lost baby teeth early. It can prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the space and causing further dental problems.
Another type of early orthodontic treatment is expanders, which help widen the palate and create more space for teeth. This can be particularly beneficial for children with crowded or narrow teeth. It can help to prevent the need for more invasive orthodontic treatment like tooth extraction or jaw surgery.
Other options are available, too. If your child doesn’t like the idea of metal braces, consider investing in Invisalign or ceramic braces. While more expensive, they work on children, too.
Benefits of Orthodontic Care for Children
As a parent, seeing your child confident and happy is a priority. Early orthodontic treatment and dental care are vital to your child’s overall health. Not convinced it’s the right time to start investing in their oral health? Here are nine benefits of early orthodontic treatment for your child.
1. Improved Oral Health
Straight teeth allow for better oral hygiene. Crowded teeth allow bacteria to hide in hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to clean. Improperly aligned teeth can result in tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Decreased Risk of Injury
Crooked teeth can be vulnerable to injury or damage. When teeth stick out or are misaligned, they are more susceptible to being knocked out or chipped than those in the right place.
3. Better Self-confidence
Feeling self-confident is a priceless asset that can positively impact your child’s emotions, social interactions, and relationships. Children who are well-groomed and have healthy teeth and gums are likelier to feel good about themselves and are not afraid to smile.
4. Improved Speech
Teeth that aren’t adequately straightened can cause speech impediments. Misaligned teeth can interfere with the proper functioning of the tongue, resulting in difficulty articulating sounds correctly. Orthodontic treatment (including, but not limited to, braces) can correct misalignments, leading to better speech and communication.
5. Better Overall Health
Life-threatening diseases like heart disease, stroke, and some cancers can be linked to inadequate oral health. By getting straighter teeth, your child is less vulnerable to dental problems that can lead to larger overall health issues.
6. Better Long-term Functionality
Straight teeth don’t only bring superiority to oral hygiene; they also facilitate proper chewing and make eating easier. Orthodontic treatment can promote correct bites, making eating and chewing more comfortable in the long run.
7. Reduced Oral Discomfort
Poorly aligned teeth, overbites, or underbites can make chewing food uncomfortable. Pain and discomfort can be considerably reduced by aligning teeth properly, providing relief for your child.
8. More Successful Dental Checkups
Straighter teeth make cleaning and plaque removal easier for dental professionals. This makes it less likely for cavities to form, leading to fewer dental procedures in the future.
9. Long-Term Cost Savings
Early orthodontic treatment helps prevent complex dental procedures from being required in the future. Therefore, it is wise to prioritize orthodontic care as an investment in your child’s future oral health.
The Bottom Line
Early orthodontic treatment has numerous benefits for children. Not only does it improve oral health, it also boosts self-confidence, speech, and overall health. Along the way, it makes eating easier and reduces discomfort.
Prioritizing early orthodontic treatment can set your child up for long-term oral health success while saving money in the long run. These benefits will go a long way in helping your child thrive and lead a happier, healthier life.
Work With a Qualified Orthodontist
Working with a qualified orthodontist is crucial when it comes to early orthodontic treatment for your child. A qualified specialist has the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat dental issues accurately, efficiently, and safely.
Additionally, orthodontists undergo extensive training beyond a general dentist to specialize in orthodontics, including years of additional residency training. Working with a qualified orthodontist can also ensure your child receives the most advanced and effective treatments.
While seeking orthodontic treatment, research and choose a qualified specialist with a strong reputation and proven track record of success. Your child’s dental health and overall well-being are worth the investment. Oral care is always worth it.
Schedule a Consultation
Early orthodontic treatment can benefit your child’s dental health and overall well-being. From correcting misaligned teeth to improving their bite and reducing the risk of future dental issues, the advantages of orthodontic treatment are numerous.
And with Dr. Jacobus at Jacobus Orthodontics, you can rest assured that your child is in the hands of a highly trained and experienced professional. As a leader in the orthodontic community, Dr. Jacobus has dedicated his life to improving smiles and changing lives in St. Lucie County.
Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation today. Give your child the gift of a healthy, beautiful smile.