Did you know that kids don’t all start developing crooked teeth at the same time? Many kids don’t develop their first minor imperfections until their teenage years. If you notice your child clenching their teeth or Malocclusion (bad bite), they should visit an orthodontist in Johnston. If detected early, your child’s teeth can be corrected at an early age, and your child can reap the benefits of having straight teeth for a lifetime.
Every child should see an orthodontist around seven years old and no later than nine years of age. Early treatment can help correct problems before becoming worse.
At what age should your child see an orthodontist?
Your baby has its first tooth! Thank god for that, right? It is a sign that your bundle of joy is growing and thriving, but an erupting tooth shows that your oral health is in pretty good shape. But a missing or crowded tooth isn’t necessarily good news. It’s possible that your child needs braces, especially if they’ve erupted early. Knowing when your kid should see an orthodontist can help avoid an orthodontic emergency.
The earlier your child sees an orthodontist, the better. But it’s important to consider why. Orthodontic treatment varies by age. While the child’s permanent teeth usually don’t erupt until around age 6 or 7, early orthodontic treatment can guide the teeth into the proper position. By treating your kids early, orthodontists can help your child develop a healthier bite and mouth and improve the look of their smile.
Signs your child should see an orthodontist
Most people associate an orthodontist with braces, even though orthodontists can help adults. An orthodontist has an additional two to three years of training after dental school. This typically involves four to six years of additional training in orthodontics, including training in neuromuscular dentistry, orofacial orthopedics, and dentofacial orthopedics. Orthodontists use braces, functional appliances like retainers, and mouth guards to treat misaligned teeth, overbites, and crooked teeth. But an orthodontist also can help treat sleep apnea and TMJ and provide cosmetic services like tooth whitening and Invisalign in Rhode Island.
While the dentist has carved out a nice spot as part of the health care team, orthodontists have earned their reputation as dentists who focus on misaligned teeth and less-than-perfect smiles. But orthodontists aren’t just for kids; adults without proper oral care are also eligible to receive services from orthodontists.
What to expect at an orthodontist appointment?
Seeing an orthodontist might seem a little intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what to expect from a visit to your orthodontist’s office and some diagrammed illustrations to help you visualize what’s about to happen.
Orthodontic treatment can be intimidating, especially if you or your child haven’t gotten braces before. However, your first appointment with an orthodontist is not to be taken lightly, so be sure to know what to expect.
In conclusion, research all you expected to do on your first visit. Ask questions about your child’s treatment plan and specific treatment options. Then, discuss your concerns and priorities with the orthodontist. They should be willing to answer questions and explain all options.
Why not just wait until they are teenagers before starting orthodontic treatment?
Starting orthodontic treatment at a young age will likely help straighten teeth faster. This is because the development of a child’s jaw and mouth can be easier to treat when the child’s jaw and teeth are in an ideal position. However, braces remind us that there is a problem that needs attention.
Starting orthodontic treatment as soon as early as 7 or 8 years old would be appropriate. However, waiting past the age of 12 could be risky because the roots could already be fully developed. This is why it is best to start orthodontic treatment during early adolescence.
What is the right age for my child to see an orthodontist?
There is no right age for seeing an orthodontist. However, children can affect their oral health by bad oral habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing. Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth-breathing are all habits that must be corrected by an orthodontist. Tongue thrusting is when the tongue pushes out the front teeth. This habit also causes crowding and other problems. Thumb sucking, which also causes crowding and other problems, should be stopped as soon as a child can do so. Mouth breathing is when your child does not breathe through the nose. Mouth breathing can cause inflammation in the teeth and jaw, leading to cavities or other problems.
The decision to seek orthodontic treatment for you or your teenager is an important one. However, it is also a decision that should not be taken lightly. Today’s orthodontists can provide patients with many treatment options and, in many cases, offer alternatives to braces. Therefore, you should discuss your treatment options, including braces, with your orthodontist.
Final Verdict
To summarize, it appears braces are something children get when there’s something wrong, but typically not something we recommend. An orthodontist rarely suggests that a child get braces unless there’s an underlying problem (like crowding or a deep bite). Your dentist can usually tell if there’s a problem, and they may refer you to an orthodontist.
Children should have their first orthodontic consultation by age 7. Any orthodontic problems at this age are easily corrected, but catching them before they become major issues means your child will have a healthy, beautiful smile for the rest of their lives.
