As parents, we want nothing but the best for our children, especially when it comes to their health. We monitor what they eat, their physical activity, and their overall development. One aspect that is often overlooked but can have a significant impact on our children’s health is their dental care. From a young age, we teach them to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly. However, did you know that an early orthodontic visit can set your child’s smile up for success? In this blog post, we’ll discuss why an orthodontic visit at age 7 is ideal and the benefits that come with it.
The Major Upsides of Early Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic care is not just for cosmetic purposes. While it’s true that straight teeth are aesthetically pleasing, there are numerous health benefits to having properly aligned teeth. By visiting an orthodontist at age 7, potential problems can be identified early and corrected before they become serious. Early intervention, also known as Phase 1 orthodontics, can also lessen the need of more extensive and costly treatment later in life, possibly avoiding the need of braces altogether.. Simple devices, like space maintainers or expanders, are helpful to prevent teeth crowding and shifting for the growing smiles we see.
What’s Special About Age 7 for Early Orthodontics?
At age 7, children typically have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This mix allows orthodontists to evaluate the teeth and jaw to determine if there are any potential issues that need to be addressed. X-rays and other diagnostic tools are used to assess the child’s dental development. At this age, their oral structure and jaw bone are still growing as well. This creates the perfect environment for their teeth to respond well to gentle orthodontic treatment and set their smiles up for success.
The Importance of Space Maintaining & Expansion Treatments
If treatment is needed, the focus is usually on Phase 1 treatment. This early treatment aims to correct any issues while the child’s jaw is still growing. One of the most common Phase 1 treatments is the use of space maintainers or expanders.
- Space Maintainers: Space maintainers are dental devices designed to hold space for permanent teeth when a primary tooth has been prematurely lost or extracted. These custom-made devices prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the vacant space, ensuring that there’s enough room for the permanent tooth to emerge properly. By maintaining the natural spacing, space maintainers contribute to a healthier and more aligned adult dentition.
- Palatal Expanders: Palatal expanders are orthodontic devices used to widen the upper jaw, creating additional space for crowded or misaligned teeth. This non-invasive treatment is particularly beneficial during a child’s developmental years when the jaw is still pliable. Palatal expanders work by gently applying pressure to the upper jaw’s molars, gradually expanding the arch. The benefits include a broader smile, reduced crowding, and enhanced oral function, setting the stage for a healthy adult smile.
Addressing Parental Concerns about Early Intervention
It’s common for parents to have concerns about early intervention. They may worry about the cost, the discomfort their child may feel during treatment, or the length of time it takes to complete treatment. However, by addressing potential issues early, you may be able to avoid more extensive and costly treatment later. Additionally, the use of modern tools and techniques makes treatment more comfortable and efficient than ever before.
Give Your Child a Step-Up for a Brilliant Smile
An early orthodontic visit can set your child’s smile up for success. By visiting an orthodontist at age 7, potential problems can be identified early, and early intervention can prevent more extensive and costly treatment later in life. Straight teeth not only look great but have numerous health benefits as well. Don’t wait until it’s too late; schedule your child’s orthodontic consultation with our expert pediatric orthodontists in Laredo today!
