When it comes to our children’s health, we all want what’s best. But sometimes, it can be hard to tell what the best really is, especially when it comes to oral health. While it’s common to see teens and adults using braces and Invisalign these days, early orthodontic treatment in Mt. Airy, MD, can benefit younger children as well. While babies and infants aren’t likely to need orthodontic intervention, you may be surprised by how early on your kid may be ready for treatment.
The ‘Right’ Age for Orthodontic Treatment in Mt. Airy, MD
Because everyone is different and has a unique smile, there’s no ‘right’ age or treatment for everyone. Each child and teen will have their own timeline for when braces or other orthodontic treatment may be right for them. And your dentist can help determine what the timeline is. While some younger children may need earlier treatment, you should have an initial orthodontic consultation once your child is around seven or eight.
Why So Early?
You may be wondering why orthodontic treatment should start so early in a child’s life. After all, seven and eight-year-olds often still have some of their baby teeth in. But this in-between stage of baby teeth and permanent teeth is actually a crucial part of orthodontic treatment. As the permanent teeth make their way in, it’s easier to identify potential problems in a child’s bite. The sooner these problems are noted, the sooner corrective treatment can begin.
Early Orthodontic Intervention
Some younger patients may need braces as early as seven or eight. But for many cases, braces and other straightening methods such as Invisalign are best implemented once all the permanent teeth are in. However, there are other orthodontist measures that your dentist can take to help correct a younger child’s bite early on. These early treatment options could help improve the eruption pattern of permanent teeth and reduce the complexity of further orthodontic treatment.
Why Get Orthodontic Treatment Young
With the increased popularity of discrete orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign, many patients may choose to wait until they are older to get corrective treatment. However, the earlier you start orthodontic treatment, the better. When you’re younger, your bones, muscles, and soft tissue are still developing. This means they are more likely to respond to corrective treatment. Braces and other straightening options typically work quicker and with better results in younger patients than older patients.
Does Your Child Really Need Orthodontic Treatment?
Braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic treatments aren’t just for looks. When your bite is misaligned, you have an increased risk of damage and disease in your mouth. Starting orthodontic treatment early on can help adjust your child’s bite and keep their teeth strong.
At Mr. Airy Children’s Dental Associates, we want to make sure our young patients have healthy mouths for their future. Early orthodontic examinations and intervention could help your child develop a strong bite with a straighter smile. Give us a call at (301) 781-5337 to learn more about our early orthodontic treatment options for children.