Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?

Emily Taylor, the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno CA, believes that a great smile does more than just make a person look great – it makes them feel great as well. The power of a smile has always been a mystery to Emily, and she loves researching and writing about it. Here, she shared with Healthy Lombard that you are right in worrying so as early orthodontic treatment is important as this is the time when your children’s jaws are still growing. The early orthodontic treatment allows your family dentist to keep track of your child’s oral health as well as to prescribe orthodontic treatment for any orthodontic problems that may be faced in the future.

The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) advises that all children should start getting oral screenings from the age of 7 years as their permanent teeth usually start to erupt then. It is a good time to have your child’s oral health checked as their bones are still growing and treatment at this time can yield much more positive results.

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

This is also known as Phase One and normally begins when a child is around 8 or 9 years of age. This treatment is used to correct oral problems such as setting a natural growth pattern of your child’s jaw as well as correcting his underbite. This also helps lay a proper foundation with equal spacing for your child’s permanent teeth.

Indications of Early Treatment

There are a lot of ways to find out if your child needs early orthodontic treatment. If you happen to observe any of these behaviors, then you should consider scheduling an appointment with your orthodontist for a proper assessment:

• Early loss of baby teeth (before the age of 5);
• If your child’s teeth don’t meet properly when he bites;
• Breathing through the mouth or snoring;
• If your child’s teeth are cramped before the age of 5;
• If their front teeth are jutting out;
• Struggles with biting and chewing;
• Has a speech impediment;
• If your child’s jaw shifts on opening-closing his mouth;
• If your child is over the age of five and still sucks on his thumb or finger.

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