Springfield orthodontist

Your Child and the Orthodontist: When to Start and What to Expect

Many people consider orthodontic screenings to be the realm of teenagers. Likely that idea comes from the fact that more teenagers wear braces than young children, or adults. At any age, a visit to your orthodontist can be a great start in correcting crooked teeth. By starting early, though, you may save your child more problems, and save you money in the long run.

When it comes to children, an early start with ortho screenings may prevent them from needing more treatments as they grow into their teen years.  A bad bite or crooked teeth can develop and worsen as your child grows. These problems can cause your child even more oral health issues. By starting now, you may give the orthodontist the chance to take early intervention measures. These early treatments can prevent further problems, and prepare your child for an easier treatment if they do require braces.

When to Start Children with Ortho Screenings

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, some children may benefit from orthodontic screenings by the age of 5 or 6. For all children, they recommend that regular screenings begin by the age of 7.

By the age of seven, a child usually has enough adult teeth, and sufficient jaw growth for an orthodontist to identify problems, identify future issues, and alleviate concerns early. Crooked teeth, a bad bite, and injury prone protrusions can usually be seen at this stage of growth. Even if you cannot see it, your orthodontist is trained to identify these types of issues as they are developing. At this age your orthodontist may not always recommend treatment, but even when they don’t, they can begin to prepare for anticipated issues.

If your child is beyond the age of seven and you still haven’t started with children’s ortho screenings, it isn’t too late. Most treatments occur between the age of 9 and 14, and even as adult corrective measures can be taken for a bad bite, or crooked teeth. However, starting earlier will give you child the right start in preventative measures.

The Five Main Reasons to Begin Children’s Ortho Screenings Early

1. Orthodontist can identify and anticipate problems early. By the age of 7 your child will likely have some of their molars, and fully developed incisors. At this point an orthodontist can see where problems are occurring, or may occur. From there they can recommend a treatment to correct the problem early.
2. Early intervention usually works faster. Treatments, such as Damon braces, will work faster on a child than on an adult. An orthodontist can use a child’s growth to his/her advantage and correct problems much faster. Getting an early start may mean that your child only has to wear their braces for 6 months rather than for 2 years. 
3. Treatment at a younger age is easier on your child. With faster treatments, and growing bodies, the entire treatment process may be easier with an early start. Problems like crowding may be corrected with an extraction and a spacer, rather than the Damon braces that your child may need if that crowding leads to crooked teeth as they grow.
4. Quicker treatment will save you money in the long run. With faster treatments, and possibly alternative treatments to Damon braces or retainers. The whole children’s ortho treatment will likely cost you less. Even if your child does require braces, wearing braces for 6 months instead of two years will cost you far less money.
5. If issues that cannot be treated (at your child’s current age) are identified the orthodontist can begin working towards an easier treatment. If the orthodontist anticipated problems early, he/she can begin to prepare for a children’s ortho treatment. Problems such as spacing, and other bad bite issues, can lead to less future problems if a solution is worked towards as your child grows.

What to Expect for Your Childs First Ortho Screening

With your child’s first screening you can expect your orthodontist to assess your child’s overall oral health. They will look at your child’s teeth, and identify any problems that either are occurring, or may occur. If the orthodontist finds any issues they will recommend a children’s ortho treatment to correct them. This may include extractions, damon braces, or other therapies to correct specific oral problems.