The earlier you choose to take your child for an early orthodontics visit, the better it will be for their oral health in the long term. Early orthodontics in Apollo Beach help identify potential tooth and jaw problems that may occur while your child is developing and address them early on, as opposed to waiting until they are adolescents. To help you determine when the right time to bring your child in for a visit with a kids dentist near you is, our team at SmileLynn Pediatric Dentistry has put together this article with the most commonly asked questions about early orthodontics near you.
What is the Best Age to Take Your Child to an Orthodontist?
The best time to take your child to the orthodontist is around the age of seven. However, if you have missed this age marker, don’t worry. You can still book a visit for them and find out if they have any developmental issues that necessitate orthodontic treatment.
What Signs Should Parents Watch Out For?
As your child gets older, there are some signs to watch out for that may indicate they require orthodontic treatment. These include:
- Continued thumb-sucking or use of soothers beyond the age of four
- Snoring while sleeping
- Large gaps between teeth
- Jawbones popping when your child chews or speaks
- Breathing more through the mouth rather than the nose
- Crooked permanent teeth
- Overlapping teeth
Why Take Your Child to the Orthodontist?
Although your child’s teeth may appear straight and healthy, there may be problems that are not apparent on the surface. For example, a milk tooth will occasionally not fall out. In this case, the adult tooth will still develop and grow behind or in front of the baby tooth. If this occurs, it can cause a misaligned bite.
Another issue that early visits can detect is improper jaw development. If your child’s jaw is not developing quickly enough, then this could result in them having overcrowded teeth.
If your child’s orthodontist notices some problems, they will make recommendations based on their specific circumstance. Orthodontists consider your child’s age, desires, and mental development when making treatment recommendations.
If no issues are found, then your child can visit their pediatric dentist in Apollo Beach, FL, for regular checkups and visit the orthodontist for a follow-up appointment in another few years. This follow-up visit is essential, as it will verify that the teeth and jaw are continuing to function and develop correctly.
How Does Early Orthodontics Benefit Your Child?
There are many advantages to be gained from getting early developmental treatment. Addressing problems as early as possible prevents them from becoming worse and prevents other issues from developing as your child ages.
Some benefits include:
- Monitoring and guiding jaw development
- Addressing gaps in between permanent teeth
- Addressing issues with overcrowded and crooked teeth
- Reducing the likelihood of extensive dental treatments down the line
Correcting bite problems can also help your child speak clearly and improve their ability to eat all kinds of foods.
Visit SmileLynn Pediatric Dentistry
If you are interested in learning more about how early orthodontics can benefit your child, contact our team of dedicated dental professionals at SmileLynn Pediatric Dentistry. We are happy to help you find a good orthodontist near you and ensure that your child is on the right path toward a lifetime of optimal oral health. Please contact us to book an appointment today!