Most parents have heard at some point that they should wait until their child is a teenager and has their adult teeth before considering orthodontics.
The Canadian Association Of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child to their first orthodontic consultation when they’re 7 years old, but you can start as early as 3.
Dr. Walinder S. Dhol, our lead orthodontist at Beyond Braces with over 20+ years of experience, is a strong advocate for early orthodontic intervention. At the start of his career, he learned how orthodontists can deliver many health outcomes for his patients. In this article, we’ll tell you all about the benefits of early orthodontics.
- Benefits Of An Early Orthodontic Intervention
- Early Intervention Is Proactive, Not Reactive
Benefits Of Early Intervention
Popular culture associates braces and orthodontic treatment with teenage years, but starting an orthodontic intervention earlier has many advantages for your child. By age 7, orthodontists can start to notice issues with jaw growth and emerging teeth in your child.
Early intervention allows for the early detection and treatment of orthodontic issues in children, potentially preventing more severe and costly problems later on. Here are some of the benefits:
- Less Invasive Treatment: When orthodontic care begins earlier, less invasive methods can often be used. This reduces the need for more complex dental procedures in the future.
- Guided Growth: Orthodontists can influence jaw and teeth growth. They ensure there is enough space for permanent teeth to emerge in the right place.
- Facial Aesthetics: Early treatment often leads to better alignment. It can improve not only your child’s smile but also their oral function.
- No Misalignments: Early intervention allows for finding potential alignment problems. We find them before they become severe. This gives your child a chance for preventative treatment options.
- Speech Clarity: Teeth and jaws influence speech clarity. Early orthodontics can help avoid speech impediments that might develop due to misaligned teeth.
- Boosted Self-Esteem: Children nowadays are more conscious about their appearance. Correcting dental issues early can boost their self-image and confidence as they grow.
- Aligned teeth improve chewing: This helps with nutrition and digestion.
- Early intervention can fix bite issues: Overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They can cause later dentofacial problems when not addressed in time.
Early Intervention Is Proactive, Not Reactive
Did you know that a significant amount of a child’s jaw growth is complete by the time they’re four years old? In fact, by the ages 11-12, we’re looking at 90% completion. This window of opportunity before adolescence is crucial. It’s when we can shape jaw growth to make enough space for adult teeth. For instance, early orthodontics can prevent crowding and misalignments before they become harder to fix.
At Beyond Braces, we like to educate both parents and children about the importance and benefits of early orthodontic care. We also want them to be comfortable with the orthodontic journey ahead.
- Information Sessions: We offer detailed explanations about what early orthodontic treatment involves and why it’s beneficial.
- Guide and Support: Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from the initial consultation through the completion of treatment.
- Assessment: Our orthodontists will do thorough evaluations. They will understand your child’s current oral development and anticipate future needs.
- We create customized treatment plans that align with your child’s developmental milestones and orthodontic needs.
Early orthodontics treatment provides good dental health that can last a lifetime. If you’re curious about how orthodontics can help your child, click here to schedule a free consultation with us today!