Orthodontic treatment is one giant leap towards the realization of a healthy, bright smile and healthy dental existence. Whether it is to rectify crooked teeth or rectify a poor bite, timing will prove to be everything to make the treatment a success story. It’s useful to know when to start orthodontic treatment because making informed decisions at the right times is key to a healthy smile.
The Optimal Orthodontic Age
Seven years old is most often recommended by all for the initial orthodontic visit. So when asking about what age to start orthodontics, this is important to remember. It’s when the permanent teeth begin eruption, and the orthodontist can detect problems before they happen. Treatment at this age isn’t always followed through, but it sets the plan for what occurs later on.
Orthodontic care tends to begin when a person is between the ages of 9 and 14, when all of a teen’s permanent teeth have appeared. It is ideal because the jaw is still developing and will be stronger for the teeth to settle into their final positions. Take note, however, that orthodontic treatment is not specifically for teens only. Adults can also avail themselves of aligners or braces, but it will require a bit more time because their jaw bones are already fixed in place.
Signs Your Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment
Parents always wonder whether their child might require braces or any other form of Palm Beach Gardens orthodontics treatment. You can’t always be certain, but there are a few common signs to keep in mind.
One of the most common signs is crooked or misaligned teeth that hurt when chewing, biting, or even just talking. Children who constantly bite their cheeks or are experiencing difficulties in chewing can have bite issues. Furthermore, a child with a glaring uneven bite, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, might need something to be corrected.
Another to watch out for is thumb-sucking beyond toddlerhood. Thumb-sucking overworks the jaw and teeth, and this can lead to alignment issues. If your child is losing teeth too soon or ahead of schedule for their age, there can be a problem with jaw and tooth development.
Early treatment prevents such issues from going to extreme levels and enables the follow-up treatments to go smoother.
Benefit of Early Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment brings loads of benefits. Perhaps the best age to start orthodontic treatment is when the jaw and teeth are still malleable. For instance, discrepancy in the jaw can be resolved with expanders or other devices to provide space for permanent teeth.
Early treatment also prevents future problems from arising, and therefore they will be less severe dental problems in the future. Problems like extraction of teeth or surgery can be prevented when orthodontic treatment is done early. Early treatment will also enhance a child’s self-esteem through correcting the smile at an earlier stage, which will ensure that they are more confident in their teenage years.
Functionally, alignment and bite correction also lead to healthier teeth. It lessens the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease since aligned teeth are easier to keep clean and healthy. It also lessens the stress placed on the muscles and joints in the jaw that may cause pain in the future.
A Confident Smile Starts Early
Learn the age to start orthodontic treatment, and it might just make the difference in your child’s smile and self-esteem. To receive an orthodontic examination at an early age and be observant for any indication of crooked teeth or bite problems is most important to generating the optimal outcome.
If you’re not certain whether your child will need treatment, consult an orthodontic specialist who can evaluate their unique needs and develop a personalized plan. Early treatment can save time, effort, and expense, and provide the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.