Is your child seven years old or older? If they have not seen an orthodontist yet, consider this your sign to bring them in for an appointment. This may seem early to begin straightening out their smiles, but a consultation and assessment can outline their plan and give you a better idea of what they may need help with. At Riverside Dental Group in California, we have orthodontists in the office to make this process easier for you and your children.
Why Pre-Orthodontic Visits Are Important
Your child may have alignment problems that may go unnoticed by you until all of their adult teeth come in. By having an interceptive plan, a dental professional can assist in creating enough space for the permanent dentition to come in. If the orthodontist notices problems such as an overbite or underbite, they can help make minor adjustments to correct this. This is essential to your young one’s dental care because it can allow for shorter treatment with braces later.
Retainers, Expanders, And Other Treatments
There are a few main causes for concern for your child’s smile:
-Overcrowding or Gaps
When they begin to lose their baby teeth and new ones come in, there may not be enough space for the permanent ones to come in. To help address this, we may use an expander to gradually widen the jaw.
-Jaw Development
If your child’s jaw is misaligned, it could cause an overbite or underbite. Interceptive treatment can help guide the bone into the proper place. This lessens the need for jaw surgery in adulthood.
-Thumb Sucking
This common problem can cause your kid’s teeth to come in crooked or form around the area. A visit to the orthodontist can help address this problem and they may be able to give your child tips on how to stop. Catching bad habits like this is essential to making orthodontics easier when it is time for treatment.
Looking Forward
After phase one treatment, you and your orthodontist can produce the best plan for your tween or teen. Braces can usually start from around age ten and up. During this process, brackets and wires will be placed and secured with bands. This helps the teeth move into the proper place so that you can have an even smile.
Due to the personal responsibility involved with Invisalign, this is usually recommended for older patients such as teenagers and adults. Talk to your dentist if you are interested in this process.
Begin Your Treatment Early!
Be sure to bring your kids or teens in to see the orthodontist. To schedule an appointment, call any of our dental offices near you:
Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.
Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.
Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.
Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.
Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.
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