Perfecting Your Child's Smile: When to Start Orthodontic Care

At Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we understand the importance of a healthy, beautiful smile for your child. Orthodontic care is a significant part of ensuring your child enjoys a confident and vibrant smile into adulthood. Knowing when to start orthodontic care can help you make informed decisions for your child’s dental health.

Early Assessment is Crucial

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. This might seem early, but early intervention can guide the growth of the jaw and correct bite problems while the facial bones are still growing. This proactive approach can simplify later treatments and reduce the need for more invasive procedures.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation:

• Identifying Problems Early: Early evaluations can identify problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
• Guiding Jaw Growth: Timely detection can guide jaw growth, which can help improve the function of your child's bite and make room for permanent teeth.
• Correcting Harmful Oral Habits: Issues like thumb sucking or prolonged use of a bottle can be addressed.

Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontics

Here are some signs that your child might benefit from an orthodontic consultation:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Thumb sucking beyond age five
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
• Jaws that shift or make sounds
• Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
• Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
• Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you visit Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for an orthodontic consultation, our specialists, including Dr. Patricia Reese, will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite. Depending on the findings, we might suggest monitoring the child’s growth patterns, starting preventive treatments, or waiting until more permanent teeth have come in before beginning treatment.

Treatment Options

We offer a variety of treatment options that cater to the needs and preferences of each child, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. Each option has its benefits, and we tailor our approach based on what is best for your child’s dental health and lifestyle needs.

Conclusion

Every child's orthodontic needs are different. Starting orthodontic care at the right time can ensure the best results and the least amount of time and expense. Contact us today at Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics to schedule an orthodontic evaluation and learn how we can help enhance your child’s smile. For more insights, check out our articles on choosing the right braces for your child and when to break the thumbsucking habit, which can also influence orthodontic health.