Many people consider orthodontic screenings to be the realm of teenagers. It is likely that the idea comes from the fact that more teenagers wear braces than young children or adults. At any age, a visit to your Reston 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 orthodontic 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 Fairfax orthodontist the chance to take the proper measures at an early stage. 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 Orthodontic Screenings
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, some children may benefit from orthodontic screenings by the age of five or six. For all children, they recommend that regular screenings begin by the age of seven.
By the age of seven, a child usually has enough adult teeth and sufficient jaw growth for a Reston orthodontist to identify problems and 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 Fairfax orthodontist is trained to identify these types of issues as they develop. At this early stage, your Reston orthodontist may not always recommend treatment. But even when they don’t, they can begin preparations to anticipate issues.
If your child is beyond the age of seven and you still haven’t started with children’s orthodontic screenings, it isn’t too late. Most treatments occur between the age of nine and fourteen. Even as an adult, corrective measures can be taken for a bad bite or crooked teeth. However, starting early will give your child the proper preventative measures.
Five Main Reasons to Start Children’s Orthodontic Screenings Early
1. Orthodontists can identify and anticipate problems early. By the age of seven, your child will likely have some of their molars and fully developed incisors. At this point, a Reston 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 using Damon braces, will work faster on a child than on an adult. A Fairfax orthodontist can use a child’s growth to his or her advantage and correct problems much faster. Getting an early start may mean that your child only has to wear their braces for six months rather than for two 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 orthodontic 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 are identified, the Springfield orthodontist can begin working towards an easier treatment. If the Reston orthodontist anticipated problems early, he or she can begin to prepare for a children’s orthodontic 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 Orthodontic Screening
With your child’s first screening, you can expect your Fairfax 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 Springfield orthodontist finds any issues, they will recommend a children’s orthodontic treatment to correct them. This may include extractions, Damon braces, or other therapies to correct specific oral problems.
In some cases, treatment right away will be appropriate. In others, the Reston orthodontist may recommend waiting until your child has grown more. If your Springfield orthodontist does recommend treatment, then they will likely start by taking moulds of your child’s teeth and booking follow up appointments. In any case, they will find the problem, and work with you to correct them as your child grows. Early treatment can be your first steps in preventing crooked teeth or bad bite issues from developing.
