Parents could get confused about the right time to start orthodontic treatment for their children as determining the right age and time can be a challenge without professional expertise. Amongst many treatments available in the market to treat malocclusions or improper position of the teeth, braces have been the most sought out option for children.
In order to understand more about braces and finding an optimal time to have them installed, the following information has been compiled for your reference.
Braces For Kids
Braces are used to correct different types of malocclusions like crooked, overlapping, and crowded teeth. When the upper jaw is protruding more forward than usual and places farther away from the lower jaw, it is called an overbite. When the opposite is true with the lower jaw extending forward, more so than the upper jaw, it is called an underbite.
During the first few visits, your orthodontist will thoroughly examine the child’s teeth, mouth, and jaw as a whole. During the appointment, they may also ask the child to bite the teeth together and will also enquire if your child has any problem chewing or swallowing.
After the routine inquiries are completed, the orthodontist may take X-rays of the mouth and teeth to examine the positioning of teeth and to identify if there are any more permanent teeth yet to erupt.
During the next meeting, the orthodontist will make a mold of your child’s teeth. The impression will harden and result in a replica of your child’s teeth, which we will use to determine the ideal mode of treatment.
Medical History
Misalignment of teeth can be due to several reasons like losing the baby teeth too soon, injuries, or habits like thumb sucking. In most cases, malocclusions are inherited, and if someone in the family suffers from misaligned teeth, the upcoming generations are likely to experience similar problems.
If your child goes to the dentist for a routine check-up, the professionals will be the first to notice any misalignment and can suggest the best treatment that will help correct the issue. The dentist will also consider the occurrence of other dental diseases as this can hinder the course of treatment. The dentist will then refer you to an orthodontist who specializes in jaw or teeth alignment problems to have the treatment started as soon as possible in order to avoid further complications.
Age Criteria
There is no specific age limit to visit an orthodontist. Kids can visit the orthodontist as early as six years or once their permanent teeth have emerged or even later in their teens. However, it is easier to correct misalignments as and when they occur especially given that your child is constantly growing and developing and hence the body is more accepting of changes at this time in life.
Once your child’s permanent teeth have emerged, the orthodontist will be able to identify the misalignments, overcrowding, and other issues with the bite easily and correct it at a faster pace than is true for adults. The age criterion helps decide on the best time to start the treatment that is not limited to the immediate use of interventions. The installation of braces can be delayed if deemed necessary by your orthodontist after considering other factors such as medical history, the status of teeth growth amongst many more.
Numerous technologies and devices are now available for teeth alignment. We will discuss the best options and finalize them according to your preferences. Contact our dental clinic and secure your child’s dental health.
