How Early Orthodontic Evaluation Can Prevent Future Dental Issues

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Early intervention is crucial For your child’s oral health. Many parents believe that a child’s orthodontic treatment doesn’t begin until his or her adult teeth have erupted or visible signs of uneven teeth are noticed. Yet the American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children undergo their first orthodontics assessment by the time they turn 7. This early evaluation provides Orthodontic Specialists with the opportunity to diagnose potential problems at an early stage, when they are simpler to treat, less time-consuming, and less costly.

At our Wantagh orthodontic office, we value a proactive approach to care. An orthodontic check-up at an early age can give you an overview of how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing. By the time a child has developed an over or underbite the extent of the crookedness may be irreversible, even at an early age when the teeth look straight there could be some misalignment of the bite or crowding of the teeth or even issues with the growth and development of the jaw. Through early intervention, it is possible in many cases to guide jaw growth, correct harmful habits, and simplify treatment of any remaining dental concerns in the adolescent.

So much of early orthodontic care is about shaping the growth of the jaw, establishing good eruption patterns for incoming permanent teeth. For example, if the child exhibits a crossbite, underbite, or open bite, interceptive treatment, which involves the use of a palatal expander, partial braces, or some other form of appliance, can be used to correct the problem while the jaw is still developing. This not only restores function and appearance, but also helps to prevent potential long-term problems such as speech problems, chewing problems, or abnormal wear of tooth structure.

Besides avoiding the structural dental problems children are born with, early examination contributes to a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits.

Thumb, finger, and pacifier sucking and tongue thrusting may cause problems with the positioning of the teeth and jaws in relation to one another. Orthodontic treatment at an early age includes preventive and behaviour modification procedures that can be performed to help children to break poor habits before they can lead to irreversible developmental effects.

The parents who bring their kids in for an early orthodontic evaluation are making a great down payment on their child’s future oral health. In some cases, early treatment can also mean less treatment in the teen years, or can make getting braces unnecessary. Most significantly, it provides a chance for your child to grow up with a happy, confident smile.

When it comes to a reliable and family-entered Orthodontics in Wantagh, our team is here for you. We offer comprehensive exams, individualized treatment and compassionate care to help make your child’s orthodontic experience as smooth as can be. Whether it’s your child’s first visit or an appointment to check their progress, we are dedicated to walking them through the development of their child’s smile.