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Orthodontic treatments at Bombay Dental Specialities have helped many children as well as adults get a smile of their dreams. While a person can get started with orthodontic treatment at any age, it is often better to get started at an early age and this blog discusses why
When Should a Child Go For Orthodontic Evaluation?
Although conventionally children were taken for orthodontic evaluation and subsequent treatment only once they attained their teenage years, the modern dentistry norms suggest that a child should get an orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7. The early assessments help a child by getting preventive orthodontic care so as to mitigate the complexities in correcting dentition later.
What happens in a early orthodontic evaluation for children?
The eruption of the first adult molars forms a child’s bite, at around the age of 7. It is then that an orthodontist will be in a better position to confirm the alignment of the teeth from the front, rear, and sides.
During the diagnosis of orthodontic problems, the following will be inspected by the orthodontist: Some common dental problems include:
- Buck teeth, where the upper front teeth protrude significantly from the mouth;
- Deep bite-the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth; Underbite-the upper teeth fall inside the arch of the lower teeth;
- Overlapped teeth-some teeth are over others;
- Misaligned front teeth-spaces between the lower and upper front teeth are not in line.
- A crossbite, in which the lower teeth do not fit properly inside the upper teeth;
- Missing teeth, in which some baby teeth never grow or never come down;
- Extra teeth, double teeth, or teeth with abnormal shapes or sizes.
Signs Which Say “Your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Care”
Starting orthodontic treatment such as braces at age seven is not usually indicated. However, if a child demonstrates any of the following, early orthodontic treatment is merited:
- Problems with biting into the cheeks or the roof of the mouth, crowding or overlapping of permanent teeth coming into the mouth,
- Clicking or popping in the jaw, difficulty with speaking, abnormal bite development, Grinding teeth etcetera.
- Difficulty in swallowing or speech, breathing through the mouth, a jaw that shifts or protrudes, or inability to comfortably shut one’s lips could be some of the warning signs. If that happens, it’s time to get the orthodontist in as soon as possible.
- Crowding of teeth is one of the frequent indications that your child’s permanent teeth are growing. Sometimes, the tooth may come in at an angle and not in line with other teeth. This is a sign that your child needs an early orthodontic evaluation.
Early evaluation provides your child with the best opportunity to have a healthy jaw and a beautiful smile.
Also Read: Dental Implants: What You Should Know?
Benefits of Early Orthodontics Treatment
By making the orthodontic examinations, abnormalities can be detected earlier when the child is still at an stage of development. Therefore, the orthodontist can rectify them earlier and with less complicated methods; this reduces the length of time taken for therapy and minimizes discomfort to the child.
Early orthodontic treatment can create space for new teeth to come in. That process is a great deal less complicated when the permanent teeth are still erupting.
Where the orthodontic treatment is delayed until all your child’s permanent teeth erupt, the process may involve much longer tooth movement or even extractions-which might be quite a stressful and uncomfortable process for your child.
As your child grows up, he or she might feel a little bit insecure about their appearance, whether it be crooked teeth or other issues. Catching those problems before they get worse can ensure your child will have that picture-perfect smile and be confident about themselves.
Conclusion
After weighing the pros and cons of early age orthodontic treatment for children, you can put your child on the road to better oral health and a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Worried about your child’s teeth? Get the answers you need with an early Orthodontic Evaluation for your child at Bombay Dental Specialities. Early orthodontic evaluation may help plan the correct orthodontic treatments. Book an appointment today for your child’s first checkup!
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