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Early orthodontic treatment is essential for guiding the development of a child’s teeth and jaw. While many parents believe that orthodontic treatment is only necessary during the teenage years, the truth is that beginning treatment early can prevent more serious dental problems later on. At Wallacia Dental, our orthodontically trained dentists recommend monitoring a child’s dental development from a young age to ensure that any potential issues are addressed as early as possible.

Why is Early Orthodontic Treatment Important?

The best time to assess whether your child will need orthodontic treatment is around the age of 7. By this age, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, making it easier to identify problems with tooth and jaw alignment. Early treatment helps guide the growth of the teeth and jaw, preventing issues that could be more difficult to correct later.

Here are a few reasons why early orthodontic treatment is beneficial:

• Early Detection of Problems: Some dental issues, such as bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite), crowded teeth, or protruding teeth, are easier to correct when detected early. If left untreated, these issues can worsen as the child grows, requiring more extensive treatment later on.

• Guiding Proper Jaw Growth: Early intervention can help guide the growth of the jaw, particularly if the upper and lower jaws are not developing correctly. This can reduce the need for jaw surgery in the future.

• Creating Space for Adult Teeth: If there’s not enough room in the mouth for adult teeth to come in, early treatment can help create space and prevent the need for tooth extractions later.

• Improved Self-Esteem: Straightening teeth at an early age can have a positive impact on a child’s self-esteem, especially as they reach their teenage years. Having a confident smile can help them feel better about themselves in social situations.

What to Expect During Early Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment doesn’t always involve braces. Depending on your child’s needs, it may include devices like expanders, retainers, or space maintainers. These appliances are designed to help shape the mouth, correct alignment issues, and guide the development of the jaw and teeth.

In many cases, early treatment is followed by a second phase of orthodontic care, usually involving braces or clear aligners once all the adult teeth have come in. However, the goal of early intervention is to reduce the complexity and length of future treatment.

When to Start Early Treatment

It’s never too early to start paying attention to your child’s dental development. Signs that your child may need early orthodontic treatment include:

• Difficulty chewing or biting

• Teeth that are protruding or crooked

• Speech issues due to dental problems

• Thumb sucking or other habits that can affect tooth development

At Wallacia Dental, our orthodontically trained dentists will evaluate your child’s teeth and provide recommendations for early treatment if necessary.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

• Improved Long-Term Results: Starting treatment early can lead to more effective results and a shorter overall treatment time in the future.

• Reduced Need for Extractions: Early treatment can help create space for adult teeth, reducing the likelihood of needing tooth extractions.

• Prevention of Severe Problems: Correcting alignment issues early prevents more severe problems down the line that could require more invasive treatments, like surgery.

If you suspect that your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment, contact Wallacia Dental today to schedule a consultation. Our orthodontically trained dentists will help guide your child’s dental development and set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.