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The Advantages of Early Orthodontic Treatment
While most parents often think that a child’s teenage years are the time to visit an orthodontist and undergo orthodontic treatment, it’s actually better for your child to see an orthodontist earlier on. Orthodontic situations can progressively get worse, which is why it’s important for you to bring your child in to visit an orthodontist at a young age. Our expert orthodontists at WGM Orthodontics can determine whether an early orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, is necessary for your child.
When Should My Child Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child should come in for an early orthodontic screening at the age of seven. The reason for this is because this is the age that the back molars typically have erupted, which allows an orthodontist to properly identify any orthodontic problems with the patient’s teeth. However, it’s important to note that an early screening doesn’t necessarily mean that your child will have to undergo early treatment. In some cases we’ll simply monitor your child’s progress and wait until we determine the appropriate time for orthodontic treatment to start. In other cases, orthodontic treatment may not even be necessary. Regardless, it’s vital that you take your child in for an early screening.
Why You Should Consider Early Treatment for Your Child
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive treatment, has several advantages. The main goal is to begin treating orthodontic conditions at an earlier age, while a child’s teeth and jaws are still developing and before the orthodontic situation gets worse. In the long run, early orthodontic treatment will make the entire process shorter, cheaper, and less complicated.
By visiting an orthodontist for early treatment, a child can avoid a number of different orthodontic problems. Early treatment can:
- Make space for crowded teeth or teeth that have yet to erupt.
- Reduce the risk for protruding front teeth chipping or breaking.
- Influence jaw growth to create facial symmetry.
- Eliminate the need for tooth extractions.
Get in Touch with Your Local Orthodontist Today
If you’re interested in braces or would like to bring in your child for an early orthodontic screening, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us at one of our 15 locations across Kentucky. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more about our orthodontic services. We can’t wait to hear from you!