Orthodontics often appears to be something for teenagers or adults, but did you know that age 7 is a crucial time to think about your child’s dental health? That’s correct, age 7 is considered the magic number when it comes to orthodontic assessments. But why is this such an important age?
In this blog, we will talk about how an early orthodontic evaluation can help your child maximize their healthy smiles for life.
The first set of permanent teeth typically begins to erupt around the ages of 6 or 7, and this is when problems such as crowding, bite issues, or jaw alignment can be recognized. Children’s orthodontics nearby can help with preventative measures for this issue before it affects your child’s smile. An early evaluation can allow the orthodontist to get a better understanding of how the teeth and jaws are developing, which can help establish whether any need for orthodontic care is needed in the future.
The Early Development of Teeth and Jaws
By the time the child is age 7, they have started to lose their baby teeth, and the adult teeth are starting to erupt. At this age, the jaw and teeth are still undergoing changes in structure. This window of growth gives the orthodontist the ability to catch any potential concerns early.
Orthodontist in Culver Citycan advise parents on how to best observe their child’s dental development during this vital period when they are rapidly growing.
Preventing Serious Problems in the Future
Early orthodontic evaluation may help decrease the occurrence of problems that could become severe and more complex to correct later in life. For example, if an orthodontist determines, at the time of evaluation, that your child may have a crossbite, overbite, underbite, etc., while they are age 7, they can take preventative measures to address these problems and prevent them from causing speech problems, eating problems, and discomfort later in life.Orthodontics for children in Culver City focuses on monitoring early and addressing problems early, which may prevent more serious problems later on.
By monitoring your child’s dental growth early on, it is less likely that severe problems that may need invasive procedures will occur to fix them later on. In some cases, the fix may be simpler than an orthodontic appointment. Some problems will just become the assumption that they will fix themselves as your child grows, including crooked teeth and bite problems, however, some of these problems should be addressed early, to help guide the teeth and jaw into the correct position as the child grows and develops and obtains their permanent teeth.
More Comfortable Treatment Plans
It goes without saying that if orthodontic treatment is started at the right time, the treatment will either be shorter or require fewer orthodontic appliances as they grow. Some children will need braces while they continue to grow, including appliances. Even without appliances, treating early often produces a more comfortable plan.
If you’re searching for an orthodontist near you, starting early can also make the process smoother and less stressful for both you and your child.
For example, if a child has a narrow jaw, an orthodontist might use an expander to widen the jaw before permanent teeth fully emerge. This early intervention can avoid the need for more extensive treatments, such as tooth extractions or more complex braces in the future.
Early Evaluation Helps with Self-Esteem
Many children begin to feel self-conscious about their appearance when their permanent teeth come in, especially if their teeth are crooked or they have an uneven smile. Catching orthodontic problems early can reduce the emotional and psychological impact of having an imperfect smile. By addressing these issues at a young age, children can feel more confident in their smile as they grow older, without having to endure years of insecurity.
Moreover, some children may feel embarrassed about needing braces, but starting treatment earlier means they won’t have to wear them as long. Plus, there are many modern orthodontic solutions, such as clear aligners, that allow children to straighten their teeth discreetly.
It’s Not Just About Looks – It’s About Function
Orthodontics isn’t just about creating a beautiful smile; it’s also about ensuring that teeth and jaws function properly. An improper bite can lead to issues like difficulty chewing, speaking, or even breathing. By getting an early evaluation, an orthodontist can address these functional concerns before they impact the child’s day-to-day life. With orthodontics for children near you, treatment plans can be personalized to meet your child’s specific needs.
For example, an overbite or underbite can cause uneven pressure on the teeth, which can lead to wear and tear, pain, or other dental problems. By aligning the bite early, children can avoid these long-term issues and enjoy a healthy, pain-free mouth as they grow.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Care
The benefits of early orthodontic evaluations go far beyond just improving the appearance of your child’s smile. They can:
- Prevent future dental issues such as crowded teeth or bite misalignment.
- Reduce the need for extensive treatments or surgeries in the future.
- Improve your child’s overall oral health by addressing problems before they worsen.
- Boost self-esteem and confidence, knowing their smile will be healthy and beautiful.
- Make orthodontic treatments more efficient and comfortable.
Visit Us Now!
In short, age 7 is the perfect time to start thinking about your child’s orthodontic future. Early evaluations can identify potential problems, prevent them from worsening, and ensure that your child’s dental development is on the right track. At Coco Lane Orthodontics, we believe in the power of early intervention and are dedicated to helping children achieve a healthy, confident smile. Don’t wait until your child’s dental issues become bigger problems—schedule an orthodontic evaluation today, and let’s make sure their smile is set up for success!
Is your child around age 7? Don’t wait! Book an early orthodontic evaluation with us at Coco Lane Orthodontics and ensure their smile is on the right path. Our expert team is here to guide you through every step of your orthodontic journey. Reach out today!
