When it's time for your child to see an orthodontist, you want the best care possible. At Discover Orthodontics, we offer a variety of orthodontic services for both children and teens in Waterdown. But, at what age should your child begin orthodontic treatment?
Beginning Orthodontic Treatment
The American Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists recommend that children should begin their orthodontic treatment at the age of seven. Although seven seems rather young, there are reasons for it. Why is this magic number so important?
By this age, a child's first adult molars have started to erupt, which allows our orthodontist to evaluate the alignment of the teeth and jaw. Some issues can be prevented early. When there isn't enough space in children's mouth for all of their adult teeth to come in properly, it can result in crowding. Not only can this be uncomfortable and painful, but overcrowding can also affect their smile.
Children may also have issues with crossbites, overbites, and underbites. At Discover Orthodontics, we can accurately diagnose these issues and fix them.
Some Benefits of Starting Early Orthodontic Treatment
We believe there are quite a few benefits to starting early orthodontic treatment. Some benefits include:
- Early detection of orthodontic issues: Our Waterdown orthodontist can detect potential problems early on and take steps to prevent them from becoming more severe. This can save time, money, and discomfort down the road.
- Guiding growth of the teeth and jaw: A child's jaw is still growing at age seven, and an orthodontist can identify any potential issues with the growth and development of the jaw and teeth. As mentioned, issues with overcrowding, crossbites, overbites, and underbites can be addressed.
- Early treatment options: If your child needs orthodontic treatment, there are often more treatment options available to correct problems at a younger age. For example, braces may be more effective for younger children because their teeth are still developing.
- Improving overall oral health: By identifying and treating orthodontic issues early, make an appointment with our Waterdown Orthodontist so that we can help to improve your child's overall oral health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Some kids lose their baby teeth faster than others. However, if your child is between the ages of seven and nine, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a Waterdown orthodontist. We offer early treatment, adult treatment, braces, Invisalign, orthognathic surgery, and more. Contact us to schedule an appointment.