Will my child need orthodontic treatment?
Is my child old enough for braces?
Are braces necessary?
If you are a parent or guardian, you have likely hesitated to ask questions like these at the dentist. But as soon as that sweet little first tooth appears through your baby’s gums, you’ve taken the first step on the dental care path that continues for the rest of your child’s life!
At What Age Should My Child See The Dentist?
Experts recommend that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven, the age where their adult teeth begin to descend. This does not mean that treatment is needed at this time! It has been proven that early intervention is not only more successful and effective when it comes to straightening teeth, but more economical.
Success At An Early Age
Children’s bones are softer at this age. Their malleability means that their jaws are easily encouraged to move or grow into an ideal alignment. Plus, children grow at such an accelerated rate that orthodontic treatment typically takes far less time than it would for a teen or adult.
Orthodontists Go Beyond The Smile
An orthodontist isn’t simply a dentist who puts braces on teeth. Orthodontists take three additional years of rigorous residency training at an accredited university, making them not only specialized dentists, but experts on irregularities which can have permanent effects beyond the appearance of your son or daughter’s teeth.
When looking for an orthodontist, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Dental technology is constantly advancing, and this requires a continuous education. Feel free to ask your orthodontist about his or her training.
What To Expect At An Orthodontic Evaluation
At the consultation, your local orthodontist will be able to assess the dental needs of your son or daughter to determine if braces are even needed and for how long. He or she will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums, if their jaw is developing correctly, if their bite is aligned, and whether or not any habits like thumb sucking have affected their oral development.
Other options can be discussed, too, such as whether you might want to elect traditional metal braces or Invisalign.
It’s Not Just About A Perfect Smile!
Orthodontic treatment can improve the way your child breathes, sleeps, eats, and speaks and can reduce or eliminate the need for dental procedures (such as pulling wisdom teeth) down the road. Now that’s economical! In addition, straight teeth are far easier to clean, both at home and professionally, and reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Early intervention has these additional benefits as well:
- Guide permanent teeth into an ideal position
- Reduce the risk of dental trauma or injury to any protruding (buck) front teeth
- Guide jaw growth
- Correct harmful habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip wedging
- Improve appearance and self–esteem
- Improve the way lips meet
Teenagers and Braces
At this age, other factors need to be considered when discussing braces: oral hygiene habits, developing wisdom teeth, and even self-esteem.
Braces In Lombard
Dr. Brett Blacher is dedicated to supporting healthy smiles. If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to call our office at (630) 916-0701. Our caring dental team is committed to providing the best in dental care!
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