The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. Some moms and dads find that advice surprising, seeing as their kids’ mouths are still growing and they still have some baby teeth. But, as it turns out, that’s exactly why it’s wise for your child to have an early orthodontic assessment. 

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation

Many parents are unaware of the significant role that early orthodontic interventions, including children’s braces, can play in enhancing their child’s oral health and boosting their self-esteem. While immediate treatment may not be necessary for most children, an early orthodontic evaluation can identify any potential issues before they become real problems.

Overcrowding, misaligned teeth, and bite issues, for instance, all become more challenging to correct after all permanent teeth have grown in. Identifying these problems early not only means fixing them will be easier and more manageable, but doing so can also help to simplify future treatments and avoid more invasive procedures down the line. 

Ultimately, an early orthodontic evaluation will give your child the best chance at maintaining a healthy smile throughout their life.

Identifying Issues Before They Grow

Children have numerous orthodontic issues that a pediatric dentist near Omaha can fix if they catch them early. Some common problems include: 

• Underbites: The lower jaw sticks out more than the upper jaw.
• Crossbites: The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down.  
• Crowded teeth: There’s not enough room in the jaw for permanent teeth to erupt properly.
• Abnormal tooth growth: Extra or impacted teeth that cannot fully erupt.

These problems can impact your child’s smile and teeth function and lead to oral health issues as they grow up. As such, a pediatric orthodontist consultation is a great way to catch these concerns early on and prevent future complications.

Intervention Strategies 

An early orthodontic intervention often falls into one of three primary categories. 

1. Preventive Treatments

Preventive orthodontics aims to stop the development of bite issues as your child’s mouth grows. If there’s not enough room for adult teeth to erupt, your child’s orthodontist might suggest removing a baby tooth. On the other hand, if a baby tooth falls out too soon, they may use a space maintainer to keep the space open for the adult tooth to come in properly.

2. Interceptive Treatments

Orthodontists use interceptive treatments to simplify a growing issue and try to remove the cause when possible. The ideal patient for these forms of treatment often has a mixture of baby and adult teeth. The orthodontist may suggest appliances that help change how the upper and lower jaws grow to ensure better teeth alignment.

3. Comprehensive Treatments

Sometimes, your child may need more than braces to correct alignment or growth issues. Comprehensive treatment includes measures like tooth extractions and (in severe cases) jaw surgery. Comprehensive treatment can start before your child loses all of their baby teeth, and it will often take a few phases of treatment to get the best results. 

Options for Alignment

During an early orthodontic assessment, your child’s orthodontist will discuss the available treatment options and customize an orthodontic plan. Your child’s orthodontist will recommend the most suitable strategy for your child based on their unique needs.

Conventional braces have wires, brackets, and bands that attach to teeth and slowly shift them into the proper spots. An orthodontist can observe and control the movement closely, making it easier to fix certain issues. 

Another option involves clear aligners for kids. These appliances are more discreet, and use a series of custom trays to straighten teeth. They may be used for more mild misalignment issues.

Help your child have a healthy smile. 

Scheduling an early orthodontic evaluation for your child by the time they turn seven is one of the best things you can do to help your child achieve a long-lasting, healthy smile. As your child ages, their jawbone slowly grows and eventually stops. Orthodontic treatment performed after that point takes longer and may be more invasive.

When kids begin treatment early on, it can stop destructive bite patterns from worsening or damaging their developing teeth. In other words, it can reduce the need for adult orthodontics.

Orthodontic Services in Hastings and Grand Island   

Every child has unique orthodontic needs. And with that in mind, Pediatric Dental Specialists in Hastings and Grand Island work to offer children a rewarding orthodontic and pediatric dental experience. Our skilled team is dedicated to providing your child with outstanding orthodontic care.

There’s never been a better time to invest in your child’s oral health. Being proactive will boost your child’s self-esteem and simplify their future dental care, so contact us today if it’s time to schedule your child’s first orthodontic appointment.